I love coffee. I have tried different versions of this drink from different countries and different stores. And it never failed me. After a good night's sleep (or lack of there) a cup of coffee delivers that much needed boost of energy to last through the day. Although for some people, 1 or two cups is simply not enough – some can consume up to 5-6 cups of coffee a day! Some believe that coffee can be compared to drugs; If you take a dose of coffee everyday your body grows tolerant and you need more amounts to achieve its effects.
According to the Pacific Northwest Foundation, coffee has its negative aspects too:
1.Coffee is a known stimulant, which means that it wakes up the body by causing the production of a hormone called adrenalin and cortisol which results to an increased sense of awareness. This high may not last that long – so you may think of having more cups of coffee throughout the day.
2.If you are one of those who consider coffee as breakfast – coffee can irritate stomach lining and may cause hyperacidity.
3.If you're looking for whiter teeth, then you should also stop drinking coffee – it is one of the top contributors to dental caries.
4.Some even find their stress levels to be higher when they drink coffee- it's because caffeine counteracts adenosine – a naturally occurring calming hormone in the brain.
So, because of these cons to coffee, some have considered coffee alternatives – so they can slowly withdraw from caffeine. One of the most popular coffee alternatives is Teechino. Teechino is made from naturally occurring, caffeine free herbs, nuts, fruits and grains that look and taste and brew like coffee. It is rich in potassium (stimulates nerve and muscle functions), less acidic than coffee, helps in the digestion and absorption of calcium and other minerals.
Tea is also a popular coffee alternative. I myself find a cup of chamomile tea a soothing experience. Green tea also contains small amount of caffeine but it is also bursting with anti-oxidants. Aside from that, drinking green tea can also help in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, help alleviate arthritis and help in recovering from infection.
Reishi Tea is made from a mushroom called Ganoderma Lucidum which is hailed by the Chinese as the 'herb of longevity'. This mushroom's main talent stems from its ability to boost the immune system. It helps fight insomnia, bad cholesterol and helps flush out toxins from the body.
Siberian ginseng tea comes from a fleshy root and its active compound is called eleutheroside. This compound is responsible for its stress fighting properties. Siberian tea helps promote good sleeping patterns and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
There are other coffee alternatives which includes Licorice tea, Yerba tea, Cocoa powder and Chai tea. Find the right coffee substitute to suit your taste and you might just find your way out of the coffee habit.