4 Effective Alternatives To Caffeine For Your Day To Day

In addition to providing us with energy, alternatives to coffee also provide us with other benefits for our health in general in a completely natural way and without side effects

Caffeine is an alkaloid that is present in various plants . By name, most people associate it with coffee, but the truth is that it is present in greater amounts in other sources.  For example, while coffee beans are composed of 2% caffeine, guarana has a content of 8%. Indicates Karina Luize da Silva, specialist in Research and Development of Extracts and Dehydrates.

One of the main functions of this substance is to act as a stimulant of the nervous system. Therefore, it can  increase concentration and physical performance.

For this reason, for years it has become one of the active compounds in energy drinks and other commercial soft drinks that are not entirely good for your health.

The big problem that arises is that, in addition to stimulating, caffeine also generates addiction, making the person feel the need to take it continuously in order to carry out their activities.

 Why is excess caffeine dangerous?

The habitual consumption of drinks with this active principle generates, as we have said, addiction. Some symptoms derived from this effect are, for example, anxiety or fatigue, so it is not recommended to take more than 100 milligrams / day of caffeine. Indicates the Anxiety Clinic.

But, beyond that, in the medium and long term, it causes alterations in the body that can be harmful.

Most people tend to ignore that a large part of the pathologies that develop over the years have their origin in the substances that are contributed to the body through food. Therefore, it is good to know that some components can cause damage to health, especially in those who are more predisposed to suffering from certain diseases.

Among the main health disorders that are caused by an excess of caffeine, it is worth highlighting:

• Heart problems:  arrhythmia and tachycardia.
• Digestive problems:  heartburn and gastritis, or diarrhea and constipation.
• Alteration of the nervous system:  insomnia, sudden mood swings and anxiety.

Are there alternatives to caffeine?

There are other natural drinks with actions similar to that of caffeine but with the difference of not being harmful or addictive.

A small dose of caffeine does not harm the body and, in fact, can be beneficial; However, when there is an addiction and excess problems, it is best to try to find other alternatives to avoid taking risks.

1. Warm water with lemon

It may not be as delicious as coffee and it doesn’t have its sweet aroma either. However, its consumption first thing in the day and in times of fatigue can be very useful to rehydrate. In addition, it is worth noting its effectiveness in eliminating toxins.

Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• 1 glass of water (200 ml).

Preparation

• Bring a glass of water to boil and then let it rest until it has a temperature suitable for consumption.
• Squeeze the juice of a lemon and dilute it in the water.
• Take it on an empty stomach and as many times as you want the rest of the day.

2. Mint tea

This caffeine-free tea is good for rejuvenating the body without generating any kind of side effect.

It has a slight analgesic effect that reduces gastric pain and pain associated with tension. In addition, it helps strengthen the immune system and is good for alleviating various cold symptoms.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of fresh mint (10 g).
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Preparation

• Bring a cup of water to a boil and, when it comes to a boil, add the fresh mint and leave it on the heat for 3 more minutes.

• After the indicated time, remove it, let it rest and consume the liquid up to three times a day.

3. Dandelion tea

Dandelion root has important cleansing and antioxidant properties that help improve health. Thanks to its action to eliminate excess fluids from the body, it is good for improving kidney and heart function.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of dandelion root (5 g).
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Preparation

• Bring the water to a boil and, when it comes to a boil, add the dandelion and cook for 3 more minutes.
• Remove the tea, let it steep, strain and drink the liquid.

4. Energy smoothie

The smoothies energy are an excellent way to boost the body to have better physical and mental performance. It is ideal for athletes and for all those who need a “recharge” to start their day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of coconut milk (250 ml).
• ½ banana.
• ½ cup of strawberries.
• 2 kale leaves
• 2 teaspoons of honey (15 g).
• 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder (5 g).

Preparation

• Add all the ingredients to the blender and process until you get a lump-free smoothie.
• Consume it immediately to take advantage of all its concentrated nutrients.

What are you waiting to try other alternatives that are good for your health?