Healthy Coffee Substitutes

Top Reasons to Reduce Caffeine Intake

It’s a new year and for some people, cutting back on coffee is a priority!  Why do we love our coffee?  

The coffee market has grown substantially over the past few years with many tea drinkers replacing their caffeine hit with coffee.  Over half of Irish adults now consume coffee every day, with one third consuming several cups per day.

Nearly half (42%) of coffee drinkers use it to wake them up in the morning, while 37% say it fuels their concentration.

But what is the down-side to relying on coffee to get up in the morning and keep your body and mind fuelled through the day?

Overindulging in coffee especially in the afternoon (the dreaded slump) can affect sleep quality hugely - it can stay in our system for up to 10 hours

Increase caffeine intake causes blood sugar increases which affects energy and mood.

Caffeine naturally increases cortisol in the body which is our stress hormone - over stimulation of cortisol longterm can cause burnout and exhaustion.

The more coffee you drink, the more magnesium you may be losing from your body - this is a very important mineral (which we are already struggling to get enough from our diet) which we need for energy, nervous system support, hormone health, digestion, sleep and much more.

Healthy Coffee Susbtitutes

So, what are the alternatives?  Start by reducing your normal daily intake and introducing the alternatives to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.  The following recommendations are customer favourites:

Barleycup

Barleycup is a natural coffee substitute made from roasted rye, barley and chicory. Chicory is a flowering plant in the dandelion family and research shows it benefits gut health being a type of prebiotic.  It is available in powder and grain form, tastes great and has no artificial flavourings added.  

Bambu

Bambu is the creation of Alfred Vogel who is well known for his range of herbal remedies.  This coffee substitute is made from organic chicory, turkish figs, malted barley, wheat and greek acorns.  It has a mild, nutty taste with a smooth finish. 

Sonnentor Roasted Dandelion Fake Coffee

This coffee substitute with 100% roasted dandelion roots can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night.  It has a malty and sweet flavour and very popular.  Dandelion is a well known plant which supports liver and gallbladder health, promotes healthy digestion and aids in detoxification.

The Chicory Co.

Chicory Instant Chicory Beverage is made from 100% roasted chicory root and has a delicious aroma and coffee-like flavour.  It is also gluten free and a great source of fibre.

All of the above listed coffee substitutes are 100% caffeine free and can be enjoyed black or with your desired milk of choice.  

They have health benefits in terms of digestion, liver function and gut health as  well as hydrating without giving blood sugar spikes during the day.  

If you do enjoy a cup of caffeinated coffee, have it early in the morning and switch to the coffee substitutes for the rest of the day!

Blog written by Davina Dowling Nutritional Therapist