A good ol’ cup of joe is the classic go-to beverage for a morning pick-me-up. For some, the high amount of caffeine can cause a mid-day crash, anxiousness and maybe even digestive distress.
If you are finding yourself wanting to step away from your beloved coffee cup but aren’t wanting to give up the energy boost, then check out these 5 alternatives to coffee that may give you the energy you need.
Matcha
Matcha has gained quite a bit of popularity recently. Matcha is a type of green tea that is made by grinding the entire leaf of a Camellia sinensis plant into a powder and mixing with water. Because the entire tea leaf is used for matcha, it contains a higher amount of caffeine and antioxidants compared to brewed green tea. The concentrated components of matcha also packs a punch with health benefits. Antioxidants help to stabilize the free radical in our body, which are harmful. Research has shown that matcha may help to keep your liver healthy and enhance brain function. Depending on how potent you like your matcha tea the caffeine content can range between 35-250 mg per cup.
Chai
Chai is black tea with added herbs and spices. The types of spices found in Chai can vary but cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg may be found in many chai recipes.
Typically, chai is sweetened as well so if you are monitoring your sugar intake be aware of the sugar content of your chai tea. Chai only contains about 47mg of caffeine, which is about half the amount of a typical cup of coffee.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass may seem like the black sheep on this list because it doesn’t actually contain caffeine, but it does give you a major energy boost. Wheat grass is just the young grass of the plant Triticum aestivum. It is packed full of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Maybe not the most appetizing alternative on this list, but its quick, natural and it will give you the energy boost you need. You can find wheatgrass in the form of juice, powders and capsules.
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is an herbal tea made from the dried leaves of ilex paraguriensis, a South American tree. Yerba Mate is packed with antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals such as riboflavin, thiamine, phosphorus, iron, calcium and vitamins C and E. One cup of tea contains about 78 mg of caffeine which is comparable to the caffeine found in a cup of coffee.
Black Tea
Black tea is similar to green tea, as is comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference is that black tea is fully oxidized which gives it a stronger flavor. However, much like green tea, it contains many antioxidants that may have health benefits. The main difference between green and black tea is taste, which is a preference. The amount of caffeine in a cup of black tea depends on how long the tea is steeped but usually around half the amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee.
Sure, coffee may be a staple beverage in your morning routine but venturing out and trying other energizing drinks can keep your energy levels soaring and even deliver some health benefits. Before loading up on any type of energizing beverage it’s important to remember that hydration with water and a balanced meal are also keys to keeping sustained energy throughout your day.
Cheers, to staying energized all day long.
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