Coffee is probably the most popular drink in the world. Undoubtedly, it is part of almost everyone’s morning ritual, and for many of us, starting the day without a cup of the aromatic liquid is unthinkable. Still, if we want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we shouldn’t overindulge in more than 1-2 cups of coffee. But what if we have an intolerance or caffeine irritates our stomach? If you have such complaints, we offer you a few alternatives that will help you start your day and enjoy a cheerful and energetic you. Here they are:
Tea matcha
This type of green tea is produced by brewing, drying and grinding the leaves of the plant. Unlike regular green tea, here the whole leaf is consumed and therefore the presence of antioxidants is much more concentrated. Many of the beneficial properties of this type of drink are due to the presence of these specific antioxidants. Green tea is said to help with weight loss and fat percentage, as well as being able to reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes.
Matcha has a fresh taste that some people describe as earthy.
How to make matcha tea?
In a ceramic bowl, pour 1-2 tsp of matcha powder. Add hot but not boiling water (the temperature should be around 70-77 degrees). Stir until the powder dissolves in the water. Then stir again, and the direction should be back and forth. The tea is ready when a light foam forms in the glass. Alternatively, if you wish, you can make a matcha latte by adding vegan milk.
Golden milk
This coffee substitute is caffeine-free. Basically, it contains spices such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and black pepper. Cardamom, vanilla and honey can be added. Apart from its lovely yellow colour, turmeric can add irreplaceable health benefits to your hot drink. The curcumin that goes into its composition has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
And if you add black pepper, it will aid the absorption of curcumin even better, helped by the percentage of fat in the milk. So if you decide to try this beneficial drink, use full-fat milk instead of its low-fat version.
Kombucha
Kombucha is made from fermented black tea, yeast and sugar. During the fermentation process, a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast is formed. And then, kombucha contains probiotics and antioxidants that can have positive effects on the body. According to studies, this drink can support the immune system, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood sugar levels. This is especially useful for people who suffer from diabetes.
Water with lemon
If you want to simplify your morning routine as much as possible, then this drink is just for you. It’s calorie-free and caffeine-free, but it can give you a dose of vitamin C. As an important antioxidant, it plays an important role for your immune system and also protects your skin from damage. Vitamin C is an important element involved in collagen synthesis. If you want to make your lemon water taste even better, add cucumber slices, a sprig of mint or combine with green tea.
Apple cider vinegar
Recent studies have shown that vinegar can have a positive impact on blood sugar levels. To prevent glucose spikes after a meal, drink 15 ml of vinegar dissolved in 20-30 ml of water 20-30 minutes beforehand. Never drink the vinegar neat as its acid can eat away at the enamel of your teeth.
