5 Caffeine-Free Energy-Boosting Drinks
When looking for a caffeine boost, coffee is the general go to for most. It’s a tough drink to compete with when it comes to jolt of energy. However, with that powerful jolt comes the inevitable crash that leaves us reaching for more. Coffee can also lead to anxiety and jitters. In fact, research shows that those who drink coffee regularly don’t actually gain any benefit from the caffeine. Their body simply gets used to its stimulating effects. Furthermore, coffee acidifies the body, putting you at risk for diabetes and other health issues.
The good news is, although you may consider yourself a coffee addict, coffee can be avoided! If you’re looking for a pick-me-up that also benefits your health, provides you with energy without the crash, and makes you glow, check out these drink alternatives that offer much more than relieving your sleepiness.
1. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass shots are great because they can be added to the drink of your choice in the morning. Add it to a smoothie and boost its health potential. Not only is wheatgrass rich in a variety of vital nutrients (calcium, iron, beta carotene, vitamins A, B, C, E, and K… the list goes on!), having just a shot is equivalent to eating two pounds of vegetables. That’s not all wheatgrass does. It can reduce inflammation, oxygenate your blood, improve your skin, and fight infection—all this on top of giving you that morning energy boost you’re craving. Wheatgrass juice is a one-stop super shot that can change your whole day. Sorry coffee, you lose.
2. Wild Blueberry Juice
The song of blueberries’ antioxidant offerings has been sung for some time now. However, what if we told you that they can get even more powerful? WILD blueberries are shown to have even more antioxidants than their domesticated relatives. Not only that, but according to a 2016 study, they also have improved anti-inflammatory capabilities, cancer-fighting action, and brain-boosting power. So get creative with how to incorporate it into your morning meal or drink!
3. Mushroom elixirs
Medicinal mushrooms’ wide and varied health benefits are continuing to be backed by science each year. For example, reishi mushrooms are high in flavonoids, full of cancer-crushing potential, and have even been used as a topical treatment in lesions, with great success. This is just one form of medicinal mushrooms, the list goes on with different varieties of mushrooms that offer their own health benefits.
4. Tea, Tea and More Tea
Tea is the most widely enjoyed hot beverage caffeine-free around the world, with no competition. Green tea usually comes to mind first when people think of health benefits from tea. However, there is actually very little scientific research that proves that green tea benefits our health. Tea has many different varieties that can be explored that offer a substantial amount of health benefits when consumed. Research on the use of nettle tea in Palestinian medicine has displayed its significant anti-cancer properties. A different study demonstrated that the isoflavonoid compounds from red clover protect us from inflammation and immune suppression induced by UV radiation. And then there is Lemon balm tea that helps with anxiety, insomnia, or indigestion. The list goes on.
5. Rose Hips
Rich in citrusy vitamins like A, E, and C, rose hips are also loaded with antioxidants, as well as a host of other health-boosters such as flavonoids, amino acids, minerals, and more, according to one 2013 study. Rosehip tea will even supercharge any vitamins you are taking due to its high antioxidant content. Coupled with a sweet, spicy, pepper-minty taste, rose hip tea can’t be missed out on.