Expert Says Five Coffee Alternatives ‘Eliminate the Drawbacks’

It’s no secret that Britain is obsessed with coffee. On average, people in the country drink 98 million cups of caffeinated beverages daily, which means that a person consumes about 528 cups of coffee per year or 1.5 cups per day. Although, two out of five coffee drinkers are looking for ways to cut back, according to research.

Coffee may be delicious, but it’s also addictive. In fact, people can become physically dependent on caffeine, experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as drowsiness, reduced alertness, and poor memory.

Here, mushroom coffee alternative experts MUD\WTR UK name five alternatives to coffee and explore five ways people can cut back on the caffeinated drink.

Lion’s mane mushrooms

Lion’s mane mushrooms are a type of mushroom recognized for their white and fluffy appearance. They have a history of being used in traditional Chinese medicine, although professionals continue to demonstrate the mushroom’s ability to regulate blood sugar, promote heart health, and reduce high blood pressure.

In addition to these benefits, the mushroom also promotes energy levels and fights fatigue. These properties make lion’s mane mushrooms the ideal coffee alternative. They can be cooked like regular mushrooms, consumed as a drink or taken as a supplement during the day.

Cocoa beans

Cacao beans are prized for more than just their delicious flavor. Found in the Amazon rainforest, the dried and fermented seeds are used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammatory conditions, insulin resistance and more.

Cocoa beans are also ideal for people who want to reduce their coffee consumption. They contain theobromine, a natural stimulant that slowly increases energy throughout the day – just like caffeine, although cocoa beans are non-addictive and short-lived.

Matcha tea

Matcha, an earthy flavored tea made from Japanese green tea powder, has a host of health benefits. For example, the drink contains polyphenols, which protect the body against diseases, and chlorophyll, which supports brain function.

Matcha tea also packs a powerful punch. A cup of matcha tea contains about 50 mg of caffeine per serving. Compared to coffee, which has between 100mg and 200mg per serving, that means matcha is a sensible alternative for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake rather than cutting it out of their diet entirely.

Ginger and mint tea

Herbal teas don’t contain caffeine, but that doesn’t mean they can’t promote alertness. In fact, research has shown that teas support energy levels by nourishing the body. Even the act of making an herbal tea can help wake someone up in the morning.

Peppermint tea, for example, has been found to support digestion and improve cognitive function. The same can be said about ginger tea, which helps oxygen circulate in the body, thus giving people more energy throughout the day.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, otherwise known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, has multiple health benefits. These include, but are not limited to, stress relief, increased muscle strength, improved sexual function in women, and increased fertility in men.

Additionally, studies have shown that ashwagandha can sharpen focus, improve memory, and increase attention span. These are three of the main benefits of coffee that can be enjoyed without the downsides of caffeine.

Daily strategies to reduce coffee consumption

1. Caffeine helps people feel alert by blocking receptors that promote sleep, according to primary care physician Dr Ramkissoon. People can mimic this by exercising when cutting back on caffeine. Running in the morning, for example, releases endorphins that make some people feel awake, just like coffee.

2. Create an action plan before cutting back on coffee. This will be unique to each person and their situation – for example, a person may cut their intake in half over the next two weeks. Visualizing this action plan can also help with studies showing that imagining success can improve outcomes.

3. Remember to take it slow. Like any other addictive substance, caffeine withdrawal can cause numerous symptoms. So rather than going cold turkey, it’s best to cut back on coffee a little at a time over the course of a few weeks. Decaffeinated coffee can also be used to help reduce cravings during this time.

4. Stay hydrated. Studies have shown that dehydration can cause fatigue, which can cause people to drink more coffee. By drinking eight cups of water a day, people are more likely to feel alert and less likely to rely on caffeine.

5. Find the right substitute for you Coffee is delicious, but there are countless substitutes that are just as delicious.

Shane Heath, founder of MUD\WTR UK, said: “Coffee is the most popular drink in the UK, according to Statista. In addition to its unique flavor, the drink contains caffeine that increases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes pleasure. However, caffeine is highly addictive and can have negative side effects such as headaches and dizziness when consumed in excess.

“So it’s no surprise that two in five coffee drinkers are looking for ways to reduce their daily consumption, as reported by Mintel. There are countless alternatives that offer the advantages of coffee without the disadvantages of caffeine; people just have to find the right one. solution for themselves.”