5 energising alternatives to coffee
By Erin Young, founder of boutique Australian tea company Zen Green Tea that specialises in premium matcha green tea powder.
A steamy mug of coffee in the morning is a perfectly acceptable practice and delivers caffeine in moderation that most people can easily process. With the hustle and bustle of modern living it seems people are reaching for the coffee pot time and time again throughout the day and they are starting to notice the unwanted health effects including mineral deficiency, disrupted sleep and high cortisol levels.
1. Water
A large number of people do not know that a major symptom of dehydration is fatigue. Often when you are feeling tired, have a head ache or cannot concentrate you are actually just dehydrated. Most people do not drink their daily recommended level of two litres of water per day and only drink when they are thirsty which is a symptom that usually appears last after fatigue.
Without sufficient hydration, bodies can experience more muscle soreness, the need for longer recovery times and less desire to push oneself – in short, dehydration can make you feel less motivated to achieve at any activity. One study of athletes found after limiting fluids for 15 hours, 92 per cent felt tired, had lapses in memory and difficulty concentrating.
When dehydrated, the fluid loss causes a drop in blood volume, which makes the heart work harder to push oxygen and nutrients through the bloodstream to the brain, skin, and muscles.
2. Matcha green tea
When you drink matcha you receive an incredibly high level of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals as well as a long and steady release of caffeine which, unlike coffee, does not leave you with the “jitters”, energy slumps or sleepless nights. With matcha, the caffeine is absorbed and released slowly by the body over a period of six to eight hours. This means that it provides a sustainable energy boost without the rapid 30-minute spike, slump, and jitters associated with coffee.
In addition, teais the only plant that makes the amino acid theanine. Theanine is known for its ability to increase alpha waves in the brain and promote calmness and alert concentration, giving drinker a “Zen” state. Controlled experiments have shown that theanine has a positive effect on the mind and improves memory by increasing dopamine levels. Additionally, the alpha brain waves increase 40 minutes after a person consumes theanine, making this a great drink for students or professionals.
You can buy matcha tea from the Zen Green Tea website.
3. Green smoothie/juice
Introducing more greens into your diet can often see a dramatic boost in your energy levels from all the nutrients and antioxidants. Start your morning or afternoon with a green juice – kale, cucumber, celery, parsley, mint and half a green apple and you’ll notice your energy levels rising as well as other great effects including glowing skin. For an added energy kick you could add in a superfood supplement like spirulina, barley greens or matcha green tea powder.
4. Turmeric tea
Turmeric tea has been used for hundreds of years in India for its many health benefits. Known for its strong taste and golden colour, the vitamins in turmeric tea not only support energy levels — there are even studies to suggest turmeric can strengthen your immune system.
5. Dandelion root coffee
Dandelion root coffee is a popular solution for those who love the taste of coffee but are looking to reduce their caffeine consumption. This “coffee” is actually a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea made from the root of dandelion flowers — it contains calcium and magnesium, which are both needed in energy production.
What’s your favourite beverage to drink of a morning? Let us know in the comments below.
Related links:
The 4 tricks guaranteed to make you a morning person
3 herbal remedies to beat insomnia
10 foods to help you get to sleep