Coffee alternatives for health and hydration this winter
So if you’re trying to ditch the caffeine overload, or simply want some healthier options, here are some delicious coffee alternatives to keep you going throughout the winter days.
1. Honey, ginger and lemon
Winter is often synonymous with cold and flu season, and there’s nothing worse than battling a sore throat when you’re at work. Add in the bitter taste of coffee and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Honey, ginger and lemon is great for fighting off a cold with its soothing and immunity-boosting qualities. Simply cut up some ginger pieces and throw into a hot cup of water with a generous squeeze of honey and half a lemon for a deliciously refreshing and soothing drink.
For a festive and wintery twist, add some cinnamon for a little kick.
2. Green Tea
Although an acquired taste for some, green tea is an excellent coffee alternative, packed with antioxidants and boasting many health benefits. Drinking just one cup a day can help with:
- Brain function
- Fat loss
- Reducing inflammation with polyphenols
- Reducing bad breath – catechins in green tea can prevent the growth of oral bacteria
- Preventing the brain from aging
- Lowering the risk of heart disease
(Source)
Not only this but green tea is naturally caffeinated which can give you that much needed caffeine boost but without the shakes, with green tea containing 28mg of caffeine per serving compared to the whopping 40mg in coffee, making for a gentler buzz of energy.
3. Matcha tea
Matcha tea is high in antioxidants and brain boosting components for increased attention, reaction time and memory (Source).
Matcha is higher in caffeine with 35mg of caffeine per half teaspoon of powder, but where it differs from coffee is its compound called L-theanine which changes the effect of caffeine. This chemical helps to prevent the drop in energy that can follow caffeine consumption and also promotes better alertness.
Enjoy with frothy milk and some vanilla syrup for some extra luxury in the winter months.
4. Hot lemon water
With coffee’s diuretic qualities, you may find yourself dehydrated and thirsty throughout the day, even after one cup. We all know that dehydration can have many negative side effects, including poor concentration, loss of stamina, headaches and tiredness, which can all impact your productivity at work or the gym.
Swapping your morning cup of coffee for a lemon water can not only help with hydration, but can boost vitamin C, weight loss, healthy skin, and digestion.
Lemons are high in vitamin C which is great for fighting off illnesses, and their soluble pectin fibre components make you feel fuller for longer which can help with weight loss. Not only this but drinking a cup first thing in the morning helps to flush out any toxins which may have settled in your GI tract overnight, which can help to relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating in your gut.
The best way to enjoy lemon water is with boiled water and a squeeze of half a lemon.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has long been heralded a super food amongst the health conscious, and whilst its acidity isn’t for the faint hearted, its health benefits are vast.
According to research, a teaspoon a day can boost energy levels thanks to its amino acids and enzyme content, which prevent the build-up of lactic acids, relieve muscle pain and reduce fatigue.
Not only this, but its gut-health properties can lower blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
For a refreshing and milder taste, add a teaspoon to a glass of squash or honey and water mixture – just remember to drink from a straw to protect your tooth enamel!
6. Mint tea
Lastly, mint tea is a great alternative to coffee for those trying to reduce their caffeine consumption in the afternoon. Naturally caffeine-free, mint tea is a soothing and relaxing drink which is perfect for those afternoons where you don’t want to be tossing and turning on a caffeine-high.
Not only this, but mint tea is refreshing and detoxifying, which can reduce gut inflammation.
For a festive twist add cinnamon, cloves, honey and allspice for a minty, refreshing kick.
Final word
Whether you want to try something new, or if you need to wean yourself off the caffeine addiction, these coffee alternatives are a great way to stay healthy and hydrated during the winter months.
Cactus Water Systems is more than a water cooler company, offering a diverse range of water boilers suitable for any business for access to hot drinks in a low-energy and affordable way.
With a water boiler, the whole office can benefit from these warming winter drinks quickly and easily. Get in touch to learn more.
