What can I have instead of coffee? 4 healthy, nutritious and delicious morning drinks.

As a genuinely authentic Colombian woman, I just love to drink coffee. Colombian coffee is very different compared to the coffee we drink here in New Zealand. We call a short Americano a “TINTO”. This is the perfect drink to start your day with, or to socialize with friends, or simply to help digestion after having a meal.

Colombia is one of the most important producers of coffee in the world. Colombian coffee has a mellow acidity and a strong caramel sweetness, perhaps with a nutty undertone. It is delicious!

I don’t like fancy coffees. I just prefer the simple and authentic.

I have been trying different kinds of drinks lately – different to coffee, not because coffee is unhealthy (in fact, there are innumerable studies which highlight the health benefits that coffee brings) but just to give myself and other people alternative options to drinking coffee. Some people might think that they are drinking too much coffee or they want to cut back for other reasons. It could be overproduction of acid in the stomach, or maybe you have been thinking that your coffee habits are affecting your ability to fall as-sleep.

If you are affected by having too many coffees and want to try other healthy options, yet you still want a healthy drink that kick-starts your day right – just like a hot cup of coffee, then rest assured, here are some alternatives to coffee which contain properties and compounds that will give you a similar energy boost that coffee does, or at least promote better overall health.

Here you go the four drinks to consider in the morning or in those cold and lazy days.

1.TURMERIC LATTE

Turmeric has immense health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a substance that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A Turmeric Latte is a tasty way to get more of this substance in your diet. It does not have any energy booster ingredient but it will support your overall wellbeing especially combined with the healthy fats from coconut oil and the calming and nutritious cinnamon.

What are the advantages of cinnamon?

Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants. In fact, cinnamon beat out more than two dozen other foods in terms of its antioxidant capacity in one study. Anti-inflammatory: from skin conditions to autoimmune diseases and cancer. Brain benefits: eating cinnamon increases neurotrophic factors which keep existing neurons in your brain alive and encourage new ones to grow. Cinnamon also regulates blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss, and helps your body to fight infections.

RECIPE

1 Cup unsweetened almond milk

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/3 tsp cinnamon

Dash cayenne pepper

Dash black pepper

2 tsp coconut oil

Optional: 1 tsp maple syrup or coconut sugar.

ICED ALMOND MATCHA LATTE

I have posted another article about matcha in the past. Matcha is a true Superfood. It’s filled with powerful antioxidants and provides a nice energy boost. It contains caffeine plus L-theanine combo.

This recipe is called Ice Matcha Tea. This recipe is made with almond milk, my favourite.

You need to know what a good quality matcha is, because nowadays, supermarkets are selling different quality brands.

First: Colour: the more vibrant the colour, (dark green matcha), the better it will likely be. A dull gray green is not acceptable. Second: taste: it should be a bitter, grassy taste. But if the flavour is too bitter – then that’s likely down to the quality.

INGREDIENTS

2 tsp matcha powder

1/4 cup almost boiling water

6 ounces unsweetened almond milk

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1. Dissolve the matcha powder in boiling water-whisking out the lumps.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the matcha water and almond milk

3. Shake liberally

4. Serve over ice

5. Top with cinnamon

KOMBUCHA

Maybe your gut bacteria needs and a.m wake up call. Bubbly Kombucha is great for your microbiome – which is good for your immune system. It is made with a black tea base and it has got a little bit of caffeine for a gentle jolt.

So what is KOMBUCHA? It is a fermented tea! It is made by brewing tea, adding sugar, and then adding the SCOBY symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, which starts fermenting by feeding on the sugar. The fermentation process will produce a very small amount of alcohol of around 1 percent.

The tea is slightly fizzy and the taste can be described as sweet and sour, almost like a mild sour beer. It is very easy to drink.

YERBA MATE LATTE CASHEW LATTE

Yerba mate is a tea made from the leaves of the rainforest mate tree. In Argentina almost everyone drinks it socially by passing around a cup called “gourd” and sipping through a bombilla which is essentially a fancy straw. Not only does mate have some pick me up effects but is full of minerals and vitamins.

It reduces inflammation and is a perfect start for a healthy morning.

INGREDIENTS

6. 1 cup warm water

7. 1 Argentinian yerba mate tea bag

8. 1/3 cup soaked cashews

9. 1 cup cold water

10. Dash Cinnamon

11. 1/2 tsp honey

Put the tea bag in hot water, and remove the tea bag after 2 minutes.

Add steeped Argentinian yerba mate beverage to a blender.

To the same blender add the soaked cashews, cold water Cinnamon and honey.

Blend until completely smooth.