Do you have a habit of drinking coffee every day? You’re not alone. According to one study, more than 64% of Americans drink a cup every day.
As great as caffeine may be, however, too much can cause side effects. For example, it can cause insomnia. Not only that, but it can lead to diarrhea, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
Fortunately, there are other things that you can take to boost your energy levels. Want to know more about these caffeine alternatives?
If so, you’re on the right page. Keep reading to learn more!
How Much Is Too Much Caffeine?
As a general rule, you don’t want to take more than 400mg of caffeine a day. That’s roughly four cups of coffee if you do the math.
Keep in mind, however, that’s only a rough estimate. Some coffee brands will contain more caffeine than others. That’s why it’s so important to take a look at the label before making a decision.
The last thing that you want is to harm your body by drinking too much!
9 Caffeine Alternatives That You Can Take
Don't want to rely on caffeine? There are other things that you can take instead—here are some of them.
1. Chicory "Coffee"
Chicory is a popular substitute for coffee. A caffeine-free beverage, it’s prepared using ground and roasted chicory roots.
If anything, it’s the closest thing to coffee taste-wise, without the jitters. It’s easy to make too—all you have to do is steep the powder in water.
From there, you can add milk and sugar to improve the taste.
2. Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a herb that grows in the mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. Traditionally, it's been used to treat various conditions including anxiety and depression.
That’s not all—studies have shown that it can also help fight fatigue. It's convenient to take too as it comes in supplement form.
3. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is an aromatic herb that’s been used for thousands of years. Not only is it great for freshening your breath, but it can also improve your energy.
To make the tea, crush a few peppermint leaves into tiny pieces and put it into a cup. Add hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes. From there, you can remove the leaves with a spoon.
4. Ginseng
Ginseng is an oval-shaped plant that’s commonly used in herbal medicine. The main active ingredients include gintonin and ginsenosides, both of which provide health benefits.
For example, it’s known to fight fatigue. It does this by increasing energy production in the cells.
While you can eat the root raw, it’s best to make it into a tea. Simply add a few slices of ginseng into a cup of water and let it steep for a few minutes.
5. Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a type of fungi that grows on the larvae of certain insects. As it is, it’s often used as a natural energy booster in alternative medicine.
Not only does it improve energy, but it also increases stamina and endurance. That's one of the reasons why it's popular among athletes.
Available as a powder, you can add it to a smoothie or make your own tea. There are also ready-made products that you can buy.
6. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a variety of problems—one of which includes fatigue. After all, it’s involved with the production of energy.
Without it, your body won’t be able to convert food into glucose. As a result, you'll feel more tired.
Foods rich in vitamin B12 include seeds, nuts, and lean meats. Some foods, such as cereals, are also fortified with the vitamin. Not to mention that there are also supplements that you can take.
7. Water
Dehydration can make you feel tired or lethargic. Given that, it’s not surprising to know that drinking water can give you an energy boost.
Ideally, you want to drink eight 8-ounce glasses per day. With that said, it does depend on your activity level. For example, you’ll want to drink more if you’re working out.
Don’t like the taste of water? You can always add berries or other fruits for flavor. After all, fruit-infused water is a thing.
8. Carob Powder
Carob is frequently used as a cocoa substitute in baking. Made from roasted tree pods, it not only looks like chocolate but tastes like it too!
Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it can also combat fatigue and boost energy.
There are various ways that you can incorporate it into your diet. For example, you can add the powder to smoothies, ice cream, or yogurt. If you want, you can also make a sweet beverage out of it.
9. Maca
The maca plant grows at very high altitudes in Peru. Available as a root powder, it’s known for boosting energy and improving exercise performance.
One of the easiest ways to take it is to add it to a smoothie. You can also incorporate it in energy bars, baked goods, and oatmeal. Alternatively, you can take it as a capsule.
Minimizing Your Caffeine Intake
And there we have it—nine different caffeine alternatives. As you can see, you don’t have to rely on caffeine for an energy boost. There are many other things that you can try from fungi to teas!
Looking for some coffee alternatives? Feel free to take a look at some of the products that we have available!