Although coffee is a great solution to avoid yawns because caffeine stimulates our mental and physical performance, traditional coffee may not suit everyone.
Then again, some people may not find coffee to their liking, and it may not do them any good. But still, there are times when they just need a kick. So, in today's article, we're going to look at a few alternatives to traditional coffee to replace the classic black cup.
There is no doubt that coffee is good for your health. But what do we do if we don't like it or don't want to drink it?
There are plenty of discussions, articles and studies about caffeine on the internet. Whether coffee is beneficial or not, with or without milk... Coffee is appreciated for its delicious taste, specific aroma, antioxidant and stimulating effects.
Caffeine is not only found in coffee or guarana but is also a component of fat burners or pre‑workouts. Caffeine can also be found in various types of teas or drinks, which we will look at in today's article.
1. Yerba maté
Yerba maté is often referred to as the "drink of the gods." What is behind this label? The dried and crushed leaves of the Paraguayan holly from South America. Yerba maté contains three particular stimulants: caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, which have anti‑inflammatory effects, among others. This beverage is said to have the power of coffee, the health benefits of tea and the pleasure of chocolate.
Yerba maté has a distinctive earthy taste. It contains saponins, which are bitter compounds with an anti‑inflammatory effect. One cup of yerba maté (150ml) contains an average of 78mg of caffeine, which is similar to the amount found in one cup of espresso, which contains an average of 70‑100mg of caffeine.
Both the extract and the crushed leaves are used to make the tea, where one teaspoon is enough for one cup.
2. Green tea
Green tea is one of the most famous natural stimulants. One cup of green tea contains, on average, less than 30mg of caffeine, along with tannins and the amino acid l‑theanine, which can support the effects of caffeine on mental performance while also moderating its sometimes harsher onset of action.
Green tea contains catechins, the best known of which is the EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). This natural substance has anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may play a protective role against the development of cardiovascular or cancer diseases. One cup of green tea contains around 30‑40mg of EGCG.
In addition to green tea, we can also opt for black tea, with a caffeine content of around 47mg, or regular tea, which has similar effects.
3. Japanese matcha
This 100% green tea, rich in antioxidants, is very popular nowadays, and no wonder. Matcha tea promotes concentration, better memory and good mood. Thanks to caffeine and the amino acid l‑theanine, which moderates the effects of caffeine, there is no potential energy slump after drinking the tea. This synergy works similarly in traditional green tea.
Similar to green tea, matcha tea has antioxidant effects and can speed up our metabolism. Unlike traditional green tea, matcha tea is made using whole tea tree leaves that are shaded shortly before harvest. This results in a more intense production of chlorophyll and antioxidants. The leaves are then dried and ground into powder. In both traditional green tea and matcha, the leaves are not fermented and thus do not oxidise.
4. Guarana
Guarana seeds contain up to six times more caffeine than traditional coffee beans. In addition to caffeine itself, guarana contains theobromine and theophylline, which also stimulate the central nervous system, helping to improve concentration, focus and alertness.
Even with guarana, we should watch our caffeine intake, with 18‑32mg of caffeine per tablet, depending on the product.
5. Maca
Maca is a miraculous aphrodisiac that does much more than boost memory, increase energy and strengthen mental resilience. Maca can also have a positive effect on mental health and vitamins such as vitamin C, B1, B2 and minerals such as calcium, potassium and zinc.
In addition, this drink helps to increase libido in both men and women. For men, black and yellow maca helps with fertility by increasing sperm count and motility.
A study using a self‑observation questionnaire found that the group using maca felt a greater level of perceived energy compared to the group that did not use maca. Further work is needed to investigate the mechanism of action.
Maca root powder can be added to porridges and smoothies or mixed with your favourite liquid (water, juice, etc.). The effective daily dose ranges from 1500‑3000mg.
- Learn more: Maca: What It Is, Effects and Dosage
6. Lion's Mane
This is not a classic tea but rather a mushroom. Specifically, lion's mane is mixed with fresh coffee to give the drink a synergistic effect to improve attention or athletic performance. It can also find its place in situations where we need to deal with stress or stomach problems.
Some studies have even suggested that a drink made from this popular mushroom may have a preventive effect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Like oatmeal, mushrooms contain beta‑glucans, which are biologically active substances that support immune function. They also contain erinacins, which help reduce pain and have a positive effect on neuroplasticity.
7. Kombucha
Kombucha is made from green or black tea and has a sweet and sour taste. It contains glucuronic acid, which can bind harmful substances that are then excreted in the bile. Kombucha naturally contains caffeine and other alkaloids from the tea used. Its great benefit is that it contains probiotic bacteria that support proper immune system function.
When making kombucha at home, make sure that it is prepared in a clean environment and that the fermentation is not unnecessarily long (several weeks to a month). If it is contaminated with unwanted bacteria and their subsequent growth, we could harm ourselves with the resulting pathogens.
Bottom line
You don't have to limit yourself in any healthy lifestyle direction, whether it concerns diet, exercise, or even coffee. As little as 3‑4 cups of coffee a day can protect us from a wide range of diseases and prolong our lives.
Whatever the reason why you can't drink classic coffee, you can see for yourself that there are really a number of alternatives that not only add plenty of zest and vitality to your day or workout but also enrich you with a whole range of beneficial substances in the form of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that support your body.
