How to replace coffee in the morning for cheerfulness

Why coffee invigorates

If you are offered a “cup of invigorating drink”, you no doubt understand that we are talking about coffee. But why does it energize and keep you awake? What is the mechanism of its action? To answer this question, let’s look at what coffee is made of. First of all, it is a vasoconstrictor with a hypertensive effect – the well-known caffeine; vasodilators with antihypertensive properties – theobromine and theophylline; other substances are fats, caffedubic acid, nitrogenous compounds, phenolic derivatives of pyridine and acetic acid.

Immediately after consumption, caffeine is quickly absorbed, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. In addition, it has a molecular structure similar to adenosine, a substance that regulates the mechanisms of wakefulness and sleep. Caffeine leaves adenosine receptors out of work, and the body does not receive a signal about the desire to sleep. On the contrary, you feel a tonic effect: fatigue and general weakness go away, they begin to be replaced by activity and clarity of thought.

coffee alternative

However, coffee is not the only way to recharge your batteries. Its energy element, caffeine, is found in various foods. These are tea leaves, cocoa beans, nuts, cola and others. By the way, you can enhance the invigorating effect without increasing the number of cups you drink, but simply by combining it with other products, for example, juice, a slice of grapefruit or lemon. And of course, there are quite a few drinks that you can drink in the morning instead of coffee.

Black tea

The triumphal procession of black tea around the world has been going on for millennia. This is not surprising: the content of substances useful for the body in it is more than 300.

Theine substance, especially in freshly brewed high-quality tea, has a positive effect on the brain: its functional departments begin to work quickly and smoothly. A person feels vivacity, lightness in the body, a decrease in the feeling of fatigue. Excitation processes start in the body, starting to replace inhibition. Thanks to the expansion of blood vessels, oxygen reaches all cells, the heart works more actively, sensitivity increases.

And black tea contains many essential trace elements, such as calcium, manganese, fluorine, which means that other healthy drinks can be replaced with them. Scientists have calculated that about 4 cups a day can provide the daily requirement of the human body for minerals. And most importantly: theine, similar in properties to caffeine, gives not a short-term, but a persistent invigorating effect, clarifies the mind and, with regular use, increases the tone of the body and nervous system. There are no alkaloids in black tea, which means that distraction of attention does not threaten you.

Green tea

The tonic effect of green tea is also provided by the theine contained in it. It acts softer and longer than caffeine due to the fact that it is combined with tannin. The tonic effect is maximally manifested in the first half hour, and then slowly decreases over 4-5 hours. It is important that after the excitement caused by this tea, oppression does not occur. There are other advantages of green tea as a tonic drink: it is the acceleration of conditioned reflexes due to increased excitation processes, an increased reaction rate and a long-term tonic effect on the nervous system. A certain set of a complex of vitamins and microelements is responsible for this. In addition, green tea improves a person’s memory and attention.

It is important that not only the brain, but also the muscular system receives energy from green tea. Indirectly influencing the body, the drink makes it easier to endure great physical and nervous stress, for which it is loved by travelers, hunters and geologists. In addition, hundreds of vitamins, amino acids and trace elements are a guarantee of the usefulness of the drink. For example, fluorine protects teeth from caries, iodine has a positive effect on memory, and potassium supports the cardiovascular system.

Chicory

This is an almost ideal option, which can replace the traditional invigorating drink, it is especially useful for pregnant women. Its main advantages are the absence of caffeine and contraindications, as well as great taste. In this case, chicory can be drunk before bedtime.

Despite the fact that the first mention of chicory dates back to Ancient Egypt, it has only been consumed as a drink since the 18th century. The tonic effect of chicory is provided by its beneficial effect on all body systems. Chicory is ideal for hypertension – it gently lowers blood pressure, and potassium and B vitamins normalize the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Acting similarly to antidepressants, they relieve irritation and fatigue.

Chicory root contains a lot of useful substances, vitamins and compounds. It is rich in B vitamins, tannins, carotene. Chicory has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and metabolism, which is provided by a high concentration of insulin. Interestingly, soluble chicory retains all the beneficial substances, since the dried root extract is not chemically processed during its manufacture.

Cocoa

Cocoa invigorates well thanks to tonic substances – caffeine, theophylline, theobromine and the antidepressant phenylephylamine, promotes concentration and mental activity, a good mood and increased stamina.

Cold cocoa quickly restores muscles after hard physical work, competition or sports. In this parameter, it even surpasses drinks specially designed for athletes; they can be completely replaced with chicory. But this product should be used with caution by people prone to panic and experiencing bouts of fear.

The cocoa beans, from which the drink is subsequently obtained, contain about 200 different substances that benefit the body. Magnesium is good for bones, relaxes muscles and helps to cope with stress. Iron fights anemia. Chromium maintains the necessary level of glucose. Serotonin protects against depression. Bioflavonoids neutralize the action of reactive oxygen species that stimulate the growth of neoplasms.

By the way, the chocolate tree is the only plant that contains the substance anandamide, which increases the level of endorphins.

herbal teas

Herbal teas have a different effect – soothing or tonic, healing or vitamin. We will focus on tonic options that are best to replace coffee drinks.

What invigorating herbal teas should you try? St. John’s wort tea (aka hypericum), in addition to increasing vigor, will eliminate mild depression.

Tea from the leaves of Chinese magnolia vine will increase efficiency and increase attention due to the content of ascorbic acid and B vitamins.

Fragrant tea from sage and rosemary also gives a tonic effect. However, the essential oils from it quickly evaporate, so this tea does not last long.

Ginger root tea with honey has a warming and invigorating effect, improves brain activity, and, in combination with lemon balm (lemon mint), relieves increased fatigue.

An invigorating mix of valerian root, motherwort herb and hawthorn fruit perfectly relieves depression and improves mood.

The absence of caffeine in herbal teas allows them to be used with high blood pressure, as well as for people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system. With invigorating and tonic herbal teas, you will get rid of fatigue, restore strength and energy. It is worth knowing that adding honey or sugar to herbal tea can either reduce or enhance its tonic effect.

Decaffeinated coffee

It contains less caffeine than a regular drink, which is achieved through decaffeination. Up to 97 percent of caffeine can be removed from beans, which means that the concentration in a cup can drop from an average of 95 mg to 2 mg. Simply put, a decaffeinated drink contains regular coffee beans that have gone through a process that removes almost all of the caffeine.

This drink is popular with people who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine. One of the main side effects of consuming caffeine is heartburn, or acid reflux. A caffeine-free drink can reduce this unpleasant feature. It is also a useful option for those who do not want to experience insomnia.

However, this coffee drink does not have a bright invigorating effect. To compensate for this shortcoming, Arabica beans, which have a very strong aroma, are used for its manufacture. If the taste does not seem strong enough or fragrant to you, you can add a few coffee beans to the cup. The caffeine level will not rise much, and the drink may taste better.

Undoubtedly, for people with certain medical conditions and those who want to limit their caffeine intake, this option can be a good alternative.

Rosehip decoction

The main benefits of rosehip tea include a moderate invigorating effect, a reduced risk of heart disease, and detoxification of the body. This tea is also beneficial for boosting the immune system, protecting the skin, relieving chronic pain, and improving the digestive system.

Rosehip tea is made by soaking crushed or dried rose hips. The beneficial properties of such fruits are associated with the presence of vitamins C, B and E, flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, catechins and other useful substances in them. While each type of rosehip may vary slightly in nutrient concentration, they all contain many important compounds, vitamins, and antioxidants.

You should replace coffee with rosehip tea if you have a weak immune system, skin conditions, chronic pain, arthritis, inflammation, and high cholesterol. Also, this tea is useful for hypertension and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Many people drink rosehip tea to improve the appearance of their skin, as it is an astringent and delivers powerful antioxidants to areas of the skin that need it most.

Mate

Known for its stimulating effect, helping to concentrate and boosting the immune system, mate, traditionally consumed in Argentina, is becoming more and more popular around the world. Useful properties of mate can be felt by drinking a cup of tea based on it with breakfast.

Mate contains 1% caffeine. But strictly speaking, mate is not a tea, because it comes from a plant in the holly family.

What makes mate so special that it can be substituted for other invigorating drinks? He is a natural energetic, whose stimulating effect is quite high. The use of mate improves concentration, gives energy for the whole day and helps to resist fatigue. But its effect on sleep depends on individual sensitivity. The traditions of making mate, the manner of drinking is another story. Authentic mate requires calabash with bombilla. A calabaza is a round, gourd-shaped container used to cook and drink mate. Bombilla is a metal straw with a filter at the end.

Fill the calabash 3/4 full with mate leaves, tilt the calabash, pour some cold water over the leaves, place a straw in the empty part of the calabash. Then add boiling water. And enjoy the benefits of mate!

Opinions

Veronika AIGINA, gastroenterologist:

– While drinking coffee in moderation brings many benefits, too much coffee can lead to insomnia, indigestion, muscle tremors, and heart palpitations. If you want to replace this drink, or simply reduce your consumption of it, you need to plan for a gradual transition to healthier substitutes. Be mentally prepared to quit caffeine and adjust your daily routine so that it does not interfere with work, walking or fitness.

Elena BEREZHNAYA, a resident of Mytishchi:

“I love chicory, which my mother accidentally bought a few years ago. Since then, the whole family has unanimously preferred this drink. It comes with different flavors, for example, rosehip or cocoa aroma, while its price is very budgetary. And it also has a good effect on the heart, liver and kidneys, calms the nerves, it has a lot of vitamins and minerals, and therefore it is very useful. I drink it with milk and sugar.