Addicted to coffee? 6 delicious and invigorating alternatives!

For many of us, coffee is a familiar ritual throughout the week. In the morning, in the middle of the day, in the afternoon or on weekends in our favorite cafe - coffee for our psyche is a motivator or even a reward, and for some a daily necessity. Given the power of coffee and its impact on the body with its range of bioactive ingredients, it is surprising how many people do not calculate their level of consumption of this drink and its impact on overall health and well-being. While we associate caffeine addiction with excessive coffee consumption, chlorogenic acids, caffeine, polyphenols, phytoestrogens and diterpenes all have an impact on our health and glucose metabolism.

Statistics

An estimated 400 million cups of coffee are consumed in America every day. According to one American study, due to the readily available quality coffee, which can be obtained from popular cafes and made at home, 5% more people drink coffee than last year. The average consumption is 3.1 cups per day, with 65% of people drinking it during breakfast and 30% between meals.

The largest coffee consuming group is those between the ages of 40 and 59, with 64% of respondents reporting drinking at least 1 cup of coffee a day, up 11 percent from last year. Caffeine is considered the most popular "psychoactive drug", with 90% of people in America consuming caffeine from a variety of drinks and foods on a daily basis.

What effect does caffeine have on health

Caffeine can provide a boost, instant energy and mood boost to help start the day well, but it can also increase cortisol levels, leading to stress and a host of physiological and psychological effects.

The effects of caffeine on the body include:

Adrenalin: Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands. Every time you drink coffee, your body responds with stress. However, the adrenal glands release a hormone in response to coffee consumption instead of real stress.

Stress: Coffee consumption increases serotonin levels and serotonin receptor activity. When caffeine is eliminated from the body, the opposite symptoms such as agitation and irritability can occur. Additionally, human studies have shown that caffeine increases resting cortisol and adrenaline. Elevated cortisol levels can affect the entire body, cause anxiety and irritability, and put you at risk for a number of health problems.

Absorption of vitamins and minerals: Coffee inhibits the absorption of iron, a key mineral involved in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine. In addition, coffee consumption can reduce the circulating B vitamins. Coffee is a diuretic, so minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium are quickly flushed out of the body when we go to the bathroom.

Cardiovascular diseases: According to research at the Mayo Clinic, high consumption of unfiltered coffee (brewed or espresso) is associated with moderate increases in cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease in people with a certain genetic mutation that slows down the breakdown of caffeine in the body.

Sleep: Drinking coffee can affect sleep cycles as your daily energy depends on caffeine. Consuming even 6 hours before bed can disrupt sleep.

Digestion: The acidity of coffee leads to digestive discomfort, dyspepsia, heartburn and imbalance of intestinal microflora.
What happens if you reduce or stop your caffeine intake?

Since caffeine build-up and cravings are possible due to excessive coffee consumption, reducing or avoiding coffee can lead to the opposite symptoms, which include fatigue, headaches and muscle aches. Since symptoms can last up to a week, phasing out is the best way to lessen the impact of a habit, just give your body some time.

There is another way to get out of this vicious circle - sleep more and drink more water. A diet program in which you reduce your intake of foods such as refined sugar, flour, caffeine, alcohol, dairy, and gluten for at least a week. When your body gives up, it can help renew your body and prevent cravings from occurring. Willpower will reward you with sound, sound sleep, natural concentration, mental clarity and stress reduction.

It is not easy to break the coffee habit, especially when nudged by friends or when you have an important business meeting. Fortunately, there are a number of pleasant alternatives that can replace coffee, and in the future will help to eliminate caffeine addiction.

Healthy alternatives to coffee

1. Turmeric tea or latte

Turmeric latte is becoming more and more popular in cafes as an alternative to coffee. Have turmeric There is an active element called curcumin, which is believed to have a positive effect on indicators of memory loss and Alzheimer's disease, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

2. Ginger tea

Ginger, which also has anti-inflammatory effects, is an adaptogen. It is a unique group of natural ingredients used to support the adrenal glands and are responsible for the body's response to stress. Ginger tea helps regulate cortisol levels, increases energy and stimulates digestion.

3. Tea made from licorice root

Also classified as an adaptogen, licorice root tea can increase energy and stamina and support the immune system. Since licorice can sometimes increase blood pressure, it is recommended that pregnant women and people with blood pressure problems use this product with caution.

4. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea Is a soothing drink that you can drink in the afternoon. The menthol it contains cools and calms the body and mind.

5. Rooibos tea

Rooibos tea is another drink that can be incredibly beneficial, unlike coffee, as it reduces headaches and insomnia. Naturally sweet rooibos is easy to drink and contains antioxidants including notofagin and aspalatin.

6. Green tea

Green tea has long been known as a health-promoting drink. Green tea contains small amounts of caffeine, as well as L-theanine, a beneficial amino acid that helps focus and relieves irritability caused by caffeine.

Kardopolova M. Yu.