Tea and coffee are two beverages synonymous with Indian culture. We wake up to a cup of hot ginger tea, enjoy a cup of coffee over evening banter with family, and even have a second cup as a nightcap after a long and tiring day. So, in the common battle of which is better tea or coffee, there is no clear winner. But, did you know what too much of your go-to beverage can do to your system? Having more than four cups of coffee or tea can trigger anxiety, insomnia and restlessness as they are high in caffeine.
Sipping on copious amounts of caffeine throughout the day can lead to a kaleidoscope of health issues over time. So, try these healthier alternatives to coffee and tea instead.
1. Kombucha
A great coffee alternative, kombucha is a healthier drink to kick-start your morning. Made from fermented black tea, good bacteria, yeast and sugar, kombucha is rich in antioxidants that kill harmful bacteria and release probiotics in the body.
2. Lemon Grass Tea
Made from boiling lemon grass leaves in water, this is nothing like the double-boiled milk tea doused in sugar and caffeinated tea leaves. A cup of immunity-boosting lemon grass tea in place of coffee or tea in the morning will tantalise your taste buds and leave you feeling refreshed for the day ahead. Its distinct lemony flavour and fragrance help reset sleep cycles, improves mood, and relieves stressful thoughts.
If you’re hosting friends during teatime, try a lemon grass-flavoured cold brew iced tea for a punchy beverage that is equal parts delicious and healthy.
3. Green Tea
An ideal replacement for tea and coffee, green tea is popular for its many health benefits. It is easier to digest on an empty stomach, as compared to milk-based beverages. Steep a pinch of green tea leaves in boiling water, strain them and have it without any milk or sugar to improve digestion and reduce bloating. Apart from this, green tea is packed with beneficial antioxidants.
Pair a delicious snack with your cup of green tea, as you slowly move towards making healthier lifestyle choices. Use healthy tea cake recipes to curb hunger pangs with your tea.
4. Matcha Tea
Similar to green tea, matcha originates from the Camellia sinensis plant and has a potent nutrient profile. A great coffee alternative, the leaves are harvested and ground into a fine powder known as matcha. Consuming a cup of matcha tea means you are having the antioxidants of an entire leaf and benefit from a host of its health benefits.
5. Peppermint Tea
Better than tea and coffee, peppermint tea is a great after-meal drink. With refreshing notes of mint and zingy flavour, steep a cup of fresh or dried peppermint leaves in a pot of boiling water. You can have it after a meal to improve digestion or before a workout to boost exercise performance and oxygen supply to the brain.
6. Chamomile Tea
No coffee or tea, make chamomile your best friend if you want to unwind after a hectic day. It is also believed to improve sleep, reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps, lower blood sugar and help relax the mind. Store dried chamomile flowers in an airtight container and make a cup of hot tea when you feel under the weather.
7. Turmeric Milk
One of the best alternatives to coffee and tea is turmeric milk. Also known as golden milk, turmeric (haldi) is a common Indian spice that is cooked with a pinch of cinnamon, black pepper powder and a crushed sliver of ginger. You can have this warm drink with or without sugar as a nightcap during winter. The invigorating spices promote better sleep, boost immunity and cure common coughs and colds.
Kick back those extra shots of caffeine with these 7 healthy and delicious alternatives to tea and coffee. If you want to take tea time up a notch, try these tea cocktail recipes on days the clock hits eight at four!
Disclaimer: Before incorporating any aforementioned food suggestions into your diet, consult with your family physician or a diet specialist. Individual reactions to different foods can vary significantly, and what may be beneficial for one person could potentially cause adverse effects in another. The information provided above is a compilation of general benefits associated with consumption of particular food and may not apply universally to every body type. Always prioritise personalised medical advice to ensure your specific health needs and dietary restrictions.