For many us, making coffee in the morning has essentially become a daily ritual regardless of whether or not we actually need the extra kick. I mean, what’s the harm with an extra cuppa joe? Coffee is well-known for many health benefits after all. But although I love nothing more than the reassuring comfort of a hot cup of freshly brewed pour-over and its ambrosial aroma, sometimes being on an all-day buzz of caffeine can make me anxious and stressed.
So if you’re somewhat sensitive to caffeine or just need a break from caffeine every now and then, there are other delicious foods that can get you through the day just as effectively. Luckily, they are also healthy foods that offer great nutritional value–yes, even more than coffee–that won’t induce and sort of energy crash in the middle of the day.
These five caffeine-free options will get you through the day.
1. Beetroot Juice
Hailed as the athlete’s holy-grail energy boost, beet juice is one of the best caffeine-free drinks to stay motivated and focussed. A study by the University of Exeter revealed that beet juice can reduce oxygen uptake by up to 16%, making exercise less tiring and helping increase stamina. The study also claims that those with respiratory, metabolic, or cardiovascular issues may also benefit from consuming beet juice. This potent red juice is also great for providing liver support by expelling toxins that may have caused certain symptoms like headaches, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, and moodiness–perfect if you’ve already had way too much coffee.
2. Chia Seeds
“A chia pudding a day will get you through the day”, someone trademark that! But seriously, chia seeds are the all-in-one energy food with its extraordinary protein content, containing all essential amino acids. The human body turns to amino acids to convert into energy when it runs out of carbs. Chia seeds are also an excellent source of fibre with tremendous absorptive characteristics, which means they tend to release nutrients into our body slowly, keeping us energized, hydrated, and nourished for longer.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng has been around for centuries and is a crucial ingredient used in traditional medicine. But did you know that it also helps improve cognitive function? A study showed that a group of healthy volunteers showed a tendency to faster simply reactions and “significantly better abstract thinking” than the volunteers who were given a placebo. It is also often used to help reduce stress–what’s better than a stress-free and focused working day?
4. Banana
We often see athletes eating a banana during a race or match, but do you know why? It’s because banana is a tremendous source of essential minerals and carbohydrates that allow the nutrients to be slowly released into the body, thus sustaining energy production over a much longer period of time. Have a banana in the morning or one during the day to avoid any energy lapse. Just make sure you’re choosing organic bananas when you do.
5. Coconut Water
No, coconut water isn’t only good for curing hangovers, it’s also an amazing energy booster! As one of the best sources of potassium–even moreso than bananas–it is one of the top options for replenishing electrolytes and hydration. Fatigue can often stem from dehydration, which means a glass of coconut water can be the perfect method to restoring energy with its rich mineral content and hydrating nature. And even if you’re not that tired, coconut water is nature’s powerhouse, containing natural electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, and it’s low in sugar!
Did we miss any of your favourite caffeine-free foods that are also great energy boosters? We’re sure there are plenty more options that won’t buzz you up and leave you crashing down. So please share with us your holy-grail foods that work perfectly as coffee substitutes!
http://sshs.exeter.ac.uk/news/research/title_37371_en.html
http://www.currenttherapeuticres.com/article/S0011-393X(96)80114-7/abstract
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