Many people are forced to give up coffee for various reasons, for example because they suffer from gastritis or insomnia. Today there are numerous alternatives to coffee, many of which have an energizing and invigorating power. We offer you 10.
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, especially in particular at breakfast and after meals. This is mainly due to the exciting and digestive properties of coffee, thanks to the caffeine it contains.
The main success of coffee is due to its ability to counteract sleepiness. Coffee is rich in antioxidants and stimulates the nervous system, and appears to be able to prevent some neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In addition, caffeine is able to accelerate metabolism, contributing to the reduction of body weight.
However, its consumption is contraindicated in some situations. For example, coffee stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and therefore has a gastro-injurious effect so its consumption is contraindicated in those suffering from stomach acid, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux.
People who are nervous, anxious and sleepless should also limit their consumption of coffee for its exciting and stimulating properties on the nervous system. This also applies to hypertensive subjects or to people suffering from heart disease, as coffee can cause tachycardia and arrhythmia, and for those suffering from colitis, because coffee stimulates intestinal contractions.
The safe amount of caffeine, which should therefore not cause health problems, has been set at 300 mg per day, which corresponds to about 3 cups of coffee.
However, the sensitivity is subjective, and also depends on the frequency of consumption. There are valid alternatives to coffee, some with energizing properties and therefore can be consumed in the morning or to get up, and others that can also be consumed at other times of the day. Let’s see what they are.
10 natural alternatives to coffee
1. Chicory coffee
Chicory coffee, totally free of caffeine, is obtained from the roots of a plant known as Cichorium Intybus after having undergone drying and roasting. It is a purifying and detoxifying drink, thanks to the presence of some bitter substances, in particular towards the blood and liver. It is rich in antioxidants, which help in the fight against free radicals, and in inulin, a soluble fiber capable of lowering blood sugar levels. It is ideal to drink at the end of a meal, as it promotes the digestive process.
2. Barley coffee
Barley coffee is prepared through the drying and subsequent roasting of the barley and infusion of the powder obtained, and has a completely similar appearance to coffee, in fact it represents its most frequent substitute. It does not have the exciting properties of traditional coffee, so it can be taken by hypertensive people and by those suffering from tachycardia. It is a diuretic drink and promotes digestion, without however having negative effects on the mucous membranes of the stomach. It cannot be taken by celiac people, as barley naturally contains gluten. It exists both as a soluble preparation and as a powder to be prepared in the moka pot.
3. Yannoh
Yannoh coffee is a drink obtained by roasting various cereals, in particular barley, chicory and rye together with acorns. It improves digestion, is hypoglycemic, increases concentration and gives energy, without causing insomnia or agitation. Promotes diuresis and intestinal regularity. Contains gluten, so it cannot be consumed by those suffering from celiac disease.
4. Decoction of fresh rosemary and ginseng root
The decoction of rosemary and ginseng counteracts fatigue and tiredness thanks to ginseng, and also has invigorating and antiseptic properties due to the presence of rosemary. To prepare it you need 10 grams of dried ginseng root and a tablespoon of dried rosemary needles for half a liter of water. The ginseng root is chopped and placed in water in a terracotta pot together with the rosemary needles. It is brought to a boil and boiled for about 15 minutes, letting it rest for another 15 minutes. Ginseng has energizing and also hypoglycemic effects, as well as antioxidants, while rosemary has digestive properties and counteracts fatigue. However, ginseng can cause excessive excitement and nervousness.
5. Water and lemon
A lemon water-based drink is ideal for detoxifying the body from accumulated toxins, especially if consumed in the morning before breakfast. Warm water with lemon is used to rehydrate the body and provides a good amount of mineral salts. It cleanses the liver, has antiseptic properties and stimulates the immune system, as well as counteracting halitosis and water retention. Contraindicated in those suffering from gastritis.
6. Green tea
Green tea is one of the drinks containing the most antioxidants ever, able to effectively counteract the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. In particular, it contains a catechin that is capable of preventing various types of cancer such as breast, colon and skin cancers. It has a diuretic and purifying action on the body and counteracts the onset of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases thanks to some of its components that reduce the absorption of sugars and cholesterol. It contains a small amount of caffeine, around 12 mg per 100 grams.
7. Wheatgrass juice
Wheatgrass juice is nothing more than an extract obtained from wheat, rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and in particular enzymes that facilitate digestion. It has a purifying, energizing and antioxidant action. This drink has been attributed beneficial properties against ulcerative colitis, in particular in reducing one of the symptoms of this pathology, rectal bleeding.
8. Yerba mate
Mate is a drink obtained from the dried leaves of the yerba mate plant, belonging to the holly family and typical of Argentina. It is rich in antioxidants and contains caffeine, improperly called matein, which has stimulating effects on the nervous system, promoting concentration. It is also a drink with diuretic and digestive effects. According to a study, some substances contained in the mate would be able to inhibit human colon cancer.
9. Maca Peruvian
Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is a plant with the scientific name Lepidium Meyenii, which grows in Peru where it is known for its aphrodisiac and fertility-stimulating properties. The root of this plant is used, which is rich in minerals, vitamins and essential amino acids. With maca, a decoction can be prepared by boiling 5 grams of root in 250 ml of water for 15 minutes. The maca-based drink counteracts fatigue and depressive states, invigorates and increases concentration.
10. Green coffee
Green coffee is nothing more than unroasted coffee, the seeds of which are simply dried. It has antioxidant properties, much more than traditional coffee, especially thanks to the chlorogenic acid, it promotes metabolism and reduces the absorption of sugars. For this reason, it is often used in weight loss diets and recommended for diabetics. It can also be used to promote cognitive functions and to promote energy recovery, even after physical activity. It is commercially available in the form of a soluble preparation or herbal tea.
