Looking to ditch that habitual morning cup of Joe in favour of something a little gentler on the nervous system? These coffee alternatives will give you a natural energy boost and come with a variety of nutritional benefits, with nay a caffeine-crash in sight.
Moringa
Packed with nutrition and rich in antioxidants, moringa is a powerhouse for health with its copious reported health benefits recognised as far back as ancient India where this 'miracle tree' originates.
While most of the tree can be used, from the leaves right down to the root, the leaves are most widely available, typically in powder form. Moringa leaves are high in iron, protein, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and B6, providing a decent hit of nutrition and a boost in energy thanks to its unique nutrition profile.
Moringa powder makes a delicious latte, with a taste similar to matcha, and a supercharged start to your day. Just mix your favourite milk (we love cashew for its creaminess) with a tablespoon of moringa powder and a little sweetener (like honey or maple syrup) in a pot and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly with a whisk.
Functional Mushroom Tea
Functional mushrooms have been praised for a multitude of benefits, from stress relieving Reishi to memory enhancing Lion's Mane, but if it's an energy boost you're looking for then Cordyceps is your go-to functional 'shroom. Adaptogen devotees praise cordyceps for its energising effects, with studies suggesting it may boost cellular energy, increase energy levels, and expand aerobic performance.
Dandelion Root
Hardly a new addition to the variety of coffee substitutes lining health food stores' shelves, dandelion root is an old hand at tricking java lovers into thinking they're drinking a hot cup of the good stuff, with its uncanny coffee taste. While dandelion root is caffeine-free it's not exactly synonymous with kicking energy levels up a notch. But what it lacks in energy-giving properties it makes up for in vitamins and minerals. Dandelion root is also a rich in inulin, a prebiotic fibre that can help keep your gut healthy.
Maca Latte
Starting your day with a maca latte is a great way to get a hit of energy without the crash associated with coffee. Maca's adrenal boosting properties and adaptogenic status means it can help provide that highly sought-after boost in the morning while helping to reduce stress. With iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins B1, B2, C and E as well as minerals it's also a very nutritious way to start the day. Stir a tablespoon of maca powder into a pot of milk, heating gently, then serve with a dash of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon for a deliciously creamy and energising maca latte.
Cacao Nutritional Latte
Rich in antioxidants and minerals, cacao provides a natural boost of energy while leaving your nervous system well alone, something coffee has absolutely no bragging rights to. Sipping a cup of cacao is a fantastic energy-giving, mood-enhancing – need we mention delicious – way to start your day. Our favourite nutritional latte makers, Jomeis Fine Foods, blend a mighty fine Cacao Latte, adding a hint of vanilla and Himalayan pink salt to their purified cacao and coconut milk base for an extra special cacao latte that you'll look forward to getting out of bed for.
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