Caffeine occurs naturally in many different plants, and in small quantities, it can help stimulate the brain. However, as with most things, too much caffeine can be bad for you. Fortunately, there are caffeine alternatives for energy.
Caffeine and the Body
Caffeine is considered a drug and a food additive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Caffeine helps to reduce tiredness and drowsiness, and it can be naturally found in many different foods. One of the popular ways of consuming caffeine is through coffee.
However, over time the consumption of caffeine can lead to symptoms similar to withdrawal.
Side Effects
Caffeine can have negative side effects on different parts of the body.
- Central nervous system: Caffeine acts as a stimulant within the central nervous system, creating feelings of alertness. However, too much caffeine can lead to headaches, and when regular caffeine consumption is stopped, some of the side effects are anxiety, drowsiness, irritability, and shakiness.
- Digestive System: The presence of caffeine increases the acid produced in the stomach, and too much caffeine can lead to heartburn and an upset stomach.
- Circulatory and respiratory systems: One of the effects of caffeine is a temporary increase in blood pressure, but too much caffeine can cause irregular heartbeat and trouble breathing.
Caffeine Alternatives
Because of the effects it can produce on our bodies, it's no surprise that many look for alternatives to caffeine. Below, we have outlined several different caffeine alternatives.
Chicory Root
One of the biggest carriers of caffeine is coffee. Many individuals have a morning coffee habit; there are even people who consume coffee several times a day, at different times of the day. For some, it is the boost of caffeine that causes them to drink the beverage; for others, it's the taste. Coffee has a flavor and aroma that is pleasant to some, so chicory root is a great coffee replacement for energy for those who enjoy coffee.
When roasted, chicory root gives off a similar aroma and flavor to coffee. To make it, steep it in water and add whatever you might have normally added into coffee.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are very important for the body, and a lack of them can cause fatigue, problems with mood, and poor concentration. Eating B vitamin-rich foods as part of a diet can help reduce these symptoms the same way caffeine would. B vitamins can be found in nuts, seeds, grains, and lean meats, as well as supplements.
Carob
Carob is commonly used as an alternative to chocolate, and it has been cultivated for many years. It is very nutritious and rich in protein, vitamins A and B, minerals, carbohydrates, and penitol; penitol gives an energized feeling by working together with minerals. Carob is very sweet and can be added to smoothies, hot chocolate, and other drinks.
Matcha Green Tea
Matcha is a form of green tea that is made by steaming, drying, and grinding leaves of the Camellia sinensis plants into a powder. Unlike other forms of green tea, with matcha the whole leaf is consumed, and with it, more antioxidants. It is delicious, and studies have shown it has the potential to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Water
Water is one of the healthiest caffeine substitutes you can consume; it's one of the most important things your body needs, and it can help hydrate your skin and your mind. Often, water isn't a go-to option because of its lack of flavor, but a squeeze of lemon juice or berries for flavor is a healthy way to improve the taste. Water can help increase feelings of alertness since dehydration is a main cause of fatigue.
Rhodiola
A perennial flower, rhodiola is most often consumed as a supplement, but it can be added to drinks. It is commonly used to enhance both energy and stamina, and its properties support attention and memory. It is a great caffeine substitute for energy and is found in many adaptogen drinks.
Maca
Maca is one of the most common adaptogens, and there is evidence showing its support for adrenal function and mental focus. It helps to combat fatigue and can be added to a drink or recipe; some of the best adaptogen drinks have maca.
Peppermint Tea
Not only is peppermint tea delicious to drink, but studies have also shown its effectiveness and improving exercise performance and its support for brain oxygen concentration. Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow, so by planting it in a small pot, you can always have it nearby. Adding fresh or dried leaves to hot water for a few minutes can create a quick tea.
There are many healthy alternatives to coffee for energy, and changing up your diet to reduce your caffeine consumption takes you one step closer to living healthier.
Caffeine occurs naturally in many different plants, and in small quantities, it can help stimulate the brain. However, as with most things, too much caffeine can be bad for you. Fortunately, there are caffeine alternatives for energy.
Caffeine and the Body
Caffeine is considered a drug and a food additive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Caffeine helps to reduce tiredness and drowsiness, and it can be naturally found in many different foods. One of the popular ways of consuming caffeine is through coffee.
However, over time the consumption of caffeine can lead to symptoms similar to withdrawal.
Side Effects
Caffeine can have negative side effects on different parts of the body.
- Central nervous system: Caffeine acts as a stimulant within the central nervous system, creating feelings of alertness. However, too much caffeine can lead to headaches, and when regular caffeine consumption is stopped, some of the side effects are anxiety, drowsiness, irritability, and shakiness.
- Digestive System: The presence of caffeine increases the acid produced in the stomach, and too much caffeine can lead to heartburn and an upset stomach.
- Circulatory and respiratory systems: One of the effects of caffeine is a temporary increase in blood pressure, but too much caffeine can cause irregular heartbeat and trouble breathing.
Caffeine Alternatives
Because of the effects it can produce on our bodies, it's no surprise that many look for alternatives to caffeine. Below, we have outlined several different caffeine alternatives.
Chicory Root
One of the biggest carriers of caffeine is coffee. Many individuals have a morning coffee habit; there are even people who consume coffee several times a day, at different times of the day. For some, it is the boost of caffeine that causes them to drink the beverage; for others, it's the taste. Coffee has a flavor and aroma that is pleasant to some, so chicory root is a great coffee replacement for energy for those who enjoy coffee.
When roasted, chicory root gives off a similar aroma and flavor to coffee. To make it, steep it in water and add whatever you might have normally added into coffee.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are very important for the body, and a lack of them can cause fatigue, problems with mood, and poor concentration. Eating B vitamin-rich foods as part of a diet can help reduce these symptoms the same way caffeine would. B vitamins can be found in nuts, seeds, grains, and lean meats, as well as supplements.
Carob
Carob is commonly used as an alternative to chocolate, and it has been cultivated for many years. It is very nutritious and rich in protein, vitamins A and B, minerals, carbohydrates, and penitol; penitol gives an energized feeling by working together with minerals. Carob is very sweet and can be added to smoothies, hot chocolate, and other drinks.
Matcha Green Tea
Matcha is a form of green tea that is made by steaming, drying, and grinding leaves of the Camellia sinensis plants into a powder. Unlike other forms of green tea, with matcha the whole leaf is consumed, and with it, more antioxidants. It is delicious, and studies have shown it has the potential to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Water
Water is one of the healthiest caffeine substitutes you can consume; it's one of the most important things your body needs, and it can help hydrate your skin and your mind. Often, water isn't a go-to option because of its lack of flavor, but a squeeze of lemon juice or berries for flavor is a healthy way to improve the taste. Water can help increase feelings of alertness since dehydration is a main cause of fatigue.
Rhodiola
A perennial flower, rhodiola is most often consumed as a supplement, but it can be added to drinks. It is commonly used to enhance both energy and stamina, and its properties support attention and memory. It is a great caffeine substitute for energy and is found in many adaptogen drinks.
Maca
Maca is one of the most common adaptogens, and there is evidence showing its support for adrenal function and mental focus. It helps to combat fatigue and can be added to a drink or recipe; some of the best adaptogen drinks have maca.
Peppermint Tea
Not only is peppermint tea delicious to drink, but studies have also shown its effectiveness and improving exercise performance and its support for brain oxygen concentration. Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow, so by planting it in a small pot, you can always have it nearby. Adding fresh or dried leaves to hot water for a few minutes can create a quick tea.
There are many healthy alternatives to coffee for energy, and changing up your diet to reduce your caffeine consumption takes you one step closer to living healthier.
