7 Healthier, Energy-Boosting Coffee Alternatives

Rebecca Lewis August 07, 2013

Every morning, millions of people worldwide perform an essential ritual – they drink coffee. But health wise, there are much better alternatives for caffeine which don’t only keep you energised the whole day but also helps you ward off morning fatigue! Here they are:

Fresh juice (straight from the juicer)

What could be a better way to jumpstart your day than to drink a tall glass of fresh juice made from your favourite fruits and vegetables? Combine apples, carrots, celery, spinach, banana and pineapple (or make your own combination) and then process them in a juicer. Fresh juice contains vitamins, minerals and healthy enzymes that will give you a long lasting energy boost than the usual cup of coffee.

Organic apple

One large apple serves as a better alternative to coffee. This fruit has a natural blend of fruit sugars, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fibre which coffee doesn’t have.

Green tea

Want something to warm you up in a cold morning? Sip hot green tea instead. This healthy beverage contains catechins – antioxidants that boost metabolism, enhances immune function, and contribute to overall health. Just one cup of green tea could supply your body more antioxidants than a serving of spinach or broccoli.

Eat wolfberries

Chinese herbalists believe that eating wolfberry fruit will make one happy the entire day. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that drinking wolfberry juice everyday for two weeks could boost energy levels, improve sleep quality and promote healthy digestion. These mildly sweet berries contain complete proteins, 18 amino acids, beta carotene, and some other energising nutrients.

Raw cacao

Cacao is a natural energy booster. It contains essential compounds that stimulate the central nervous system and promote balanced energy levels. Plus, it has amino acid tryptophan which boosts mood and reduces anxiety by enhancing the serotonin levels in your brain and stimulating the release of endorphins – the ‘feel-good’ chemicals that give you a natural ‘high’ feeling.

Eleuthero root

For many people, chronic fatigue is often caused by stress and anxiety, which in turn affect the hormone-regulating adrenal glands. Also known as the Siberian ginseng, eleuthero root restore adrenal function. As an effect, it can boost energy levels. Taking eleuthero supplement can help ensure that your body produces just enough amount of adrenaline and other stress hormones.

Drink yerba mate

Known as the drink of the gods in South America, yerba mate contains 24 unique vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, 11 polyphenols, plus antioxidants that boost immunity and provide lasting energy. It also contains a compound that works like caffeine but does not have side effects of coffee. Just like coffee beans, yerba mate can be prepared using the French press. Just make sure to use only warm water because it has delicate nutrients that can get destroyed through heating.

Source of this article:

Seven natural solutions to overcome morning fatigue and kick the coffee addiction