Caffeine Alternatives

What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a bitter substance and it can be found in more than 60 plants. Some of these plants include tea, coffee, cocoa, kola nuts, and many more. Man-made caffeine is also available which is used in different types of medicines, drinks, and foods. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system muscles, heart. It may also become the cause of raising blood pressure. People usually caffeine for migraine, headache, asthma, depression, low blood pressure, and different conditions.

Why Caffeine Alternatives?

There are certain disadvantages of caffeine and some of them have been mentioned here.

• Caffeine acts as a mood enhancer and can worsen the condition of anxiety and depression

• Blood sugar increases due to blockage of insulin activity due to caffeine

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume it as it is harmful for the fetus and infant

• It can disrupt sleep

• Caffeine can cause dehydration as it increases urination

How to choose a Caffeine Alternative?

Caffeine has many advantages that should also be present in the alternative of your choice. Some of these advantages are mentioned below −

• It removes fatigue

• It helps in weight loss

• It increases strength and helps athletes to perform better

Top 10 Caffeine Alternatives

As caffeine has many disadvantages and it can also lead to health issues, you can look for some alternatives. In this article, we will discuss about some alternatives to caffeine in detail.

Alternative 1 – Chicory Root Coffee

Chicory root coffee has the same taste as that of coffee. Chicory root provides the same smell and flavor when it is roasted. You can find it in the list of ingredients in fiber-added food. The product is beneficial to the digestive system. It is rich in a fiber called inulin which helps in digestion. In order to prepare a beverage from chicory root, put the product in water and add milk and sugar or other sweetener.

Features

• Same flavor as that of coffee

• Helps in digestion

• Rich in inulin fiber

• Easy to prepare

Alternative 2 – Matcha Tea

Matcha is a green tea which is available in the form of a powder. The powder is made by steaming the leaves of a plant called Camellia sinensis. These leaves are dried and ground into a powder. This is a rich source of antioxidants. As per studies, regular consumption of green tea can reduce the problem of high blood pressure. The beverage can also help in weight loss.

Features

• Rich source of antioxidants

• Helps in weight loss

• Easy to prepare

Alternative 3 – Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is a hot beverage that is prepared and drank in South Africa. The tea has a slight fruity and sweet flavor. You can find it in the form of tea bags or loose leaves. This tea consists of tannins which have antioxidants. It also has iron which helps in increasing its level in the body. The tea can be prepared by dipping a tea bag in hot water for at least 10 minutes.

Features

• Consists of antioxidants

• Fruity and sweet flavor

• Available as tea bags and loose leaf

• A good source of iron

Alternative 4 – Hot Cacao

Cacao consists of a low amount of caffeine if it is brewed. The product is rich in a stimulant called theobromine. It has the taste of dark chocolate but there is no added fats and sugar. There are no calories in the brewed cacao. You can prepare the drink without adding milk and sugar.

Features

• No calories

• Have flavor of dark chocolate

• No added sugar and fats

Alternative 5 – Spirulina drinks

Spirulina drinks can act as energy boosters. These drinks are made by using natural ingredients with a small amount of spirulina. The beverage has a lot of health benefits as it consists of many nutrients like iron, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and many more. You will feel refreshed and energized by taking these drinks. Besides all these, you will also get vitamins B1 and B2. It also helps in maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar.

Features

• Drinks are nutritious

• The product has vitamins and minerals

• You will feel hydrated and refreshing

Alternative 6 – Golden Milk

Golden milk is a great alternative to coffee and caffeine. The beverage consists of many beneficial things like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. You can also add vanilla, cardamom, and honey.

Turmeric is beneficial to health as it consists of anti-inflammatory properties. Basic golden milk can be prepared within five minutes.

Features

• The drink has anti-inflammatory properties

• Prepared with ingredients like ginger, turmeric, honey, etc.

• Easy to prepare

Alternative 7 – Black Tea

Black tea has many health benefits. You can have three to four cups of black tea daily. It reduces the chances of heart attack. It also helps in the prevention of some types of cancers. You will feel relaxed by having this beverage.

Features

• Reduce the chance of heart attack

• Prevents cancers

• Feel relaxed

Alternative 8 – Coconut Water

Coconut water has many health benefits as it is a natural product. You will feel more energetic by having this nutritious drink. The drink helps to maintain fluid balance. It consists of more electrolytes in comparison to other drinks. It helps in improving the functions of kidney and also maintains blood pressure.

Features

• Nutritious drink

• Helps in maintaining blood pressure

• Improves functioning of kidney

Alternative 9 – Carob

Carob is a chocolate and caffeine alternative. The product is free from caffeine and consists of many nutrients like protein, vitamins, and carbohydrates. One ingredient present in Carob is pinitol which has the same effects as that of insulin. It is also beneficial in digestion. It is very sweet so can be an alternative to sugar. You can make smoothies and hot chocolate by using Carob.

Features

• Carob has proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates

• Sweeter than sugar

• Beneficial in digestion

Alternative 10 – Lemon Water

Lemon water is another beneficial drink which should be consumed in the morning. It is free from calories and caffeine. The drink has plenty of vitamin C. Vitamin C is beneficial to the immune system as it is an antioxidant. Vitamin C also acts as a skin protector as it creates collagen for tendons, skin, and ligaments.

Features

• Does not have calories

• Free from Caffeine

• Ample amount of vitamin C

Conclusion

Caffeine is a stimulant which helps people to be energized and refreshed. If it is consumed in large quantities, it can be harmful to health. There are many products available which are free from caffeine but are much beneficial to health. Some of them are lemon water, spirulina, green tea, and many more.