Alternatives to coffee to improve your health and productivity

Currently, there are numerous studies on the benefits of coffee such as improving mood or increasing energy levels. However, its excessive consumption can be harmful. In certain people with insomnia problems, high levels of anxiety or stress or with sensitivity to caffeine, it should be reduced or avoided. Therefore, today, there is a wide variety of alternatives to coffee that you can incorporate into your life to avoid high daily doses of caffeine.

• Malt coffee is obtained from barley grain, germinated, dried and roasted. It is rich in phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Although its flavor is different from traditional coffee, its preparation is very similar. To do so, 3 or 4 tablespoons are placed in an espresso, electric or Italian coffee maker. It can be taken alone, with milk or a vegetable drink. Does not contain caffeine.
• Chicory is the most used coffee substitute in Spain during times of crisis . It is a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family and a source of minerals and vitamins, especially type B. In addition, its inulin content stands out, a type of prebiotic fiber that stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine and has the ability to reduce blood sugar, as well as stimulate the production of bile. You can find it in different formats: natural roasted, soluble, Bio natural or in capsules, although some of them may contain caffeine, and it can be taken with your favorite vegetable drink. Likewise, it can be prepared as an infusion, boiling a cup of water with 2 tablespoons of roasted and chopped chicory root for 10 or 15 minutes. Then strain.
• Teeccino is one of the most common alternatives to coffee in Anglo-Saxon countries due to its very similar flavor to coffee . It is made from chicory herbs and, in the market, it can be found mixed with different ingredients such as fruits, nuts, chocolate, etc. It is prepared exactly the same as coffee, so you can add a little vegetable drink to counteract its bitter taste.
• Pure cocoa without added sugar contains fiber, vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and manganese. Contains polyphenols, responsible for the antioxidant effect , and theobromine , an excellent alternative to caffeine. Theobromine is a mild stimulant that helps us wake up and does not generate that uncontrollable need for its consumption. Its effect is very low compared to caffeine. Likewise, it is responsible for the feeling of enthusiasm and happiness characteristic of a good cup of hot cocoa. The most common is to prepare it with milk.
• Rhodiola rosea (rhodiola) is an adaptogenic plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family, which shares with coffee its ability to reduce fatigue and increase concentration (12). Likewise, it improves mood, increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters in the brain (13) and combats stress, regulating cortisol levels. With its roots the well-known Rhodiola tea is made, traditionally used to calm the nerves and combat anxiety.
• Coconut water is a natural drink that, thanks to its electrolyte content, will keep you well hydrated. It contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and sodium, which help physical performance. Its high lauric acid content helps strengthen the immune system and also has antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
• Kombucha is a drink obtained from the fermentation of tea (usually green or black) and sugar. It stands out for containing live microorganisms, to which probiotic benefits and improvement of the microbiota are attributed. You should not worry about its sugar content, since the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts consume it practically in its entirety. In the market, you can find it in different flavors, choose those that are 100% organic and with natural ingredients.
• Kukicha tea contains only Bancha tea branches that remain in the plant for at least three years, so it practically loses all the theine (it has between 0.5 and 1% caffeine of normal tea, a negligible amount). It is rich in minerals and stands out for its high concentration of calcium. In addition, it is alkalizing, that is, it neutralizes the acidity of our stomach.
• Mú tea is made with sixteen herbs that, when combined, have a synergistic effect, that is, separately they do not have the same effect as combined with each other. Among them we find ginger, ginseng, dandelion, licorice and cinnamon, ingredients to which it owes its revitalizing power.

Many times a decaffeinated coffee is chosen, but as you can see there are different healthy alternatives to replace that dose of caffeine. Try them and discover your favorites!