ALTERNATIVES TO COFFEE: THESE ARE THE BEST REPLACEMENTS FOR CAFFEINE

Did you know that, after water, coffee is the second most consumed drink in the world? The stimulating substance caffeine is what most likely makes coffee so popular. The same goes for energy drinks. Unfortunately, caffeine is not everyone's best friend. Some people get restless or nervous from it. Still looking for a good substitute that can give you a boost? These are the best alternatives to caffeine and coffee.

Caffeine: everything you need to know

Caffeine is a stimulant that has several effects on your body. First, it naturally gives you more energy. It can also give your mood a positive boost. In addition, for most people, it improves their concentration. This is because caffeine acts on the receptors of the neurotransmitter adenosine. And let adenosine be the very substance that normally makes you slump.

This also brings us to the downside of (too much) caffeine: restlessness and difficulty falling asleep. Do you feel that coffee and other caffeinated drinks give you trouble sleeping? Not surprising... Caffeine can be active in your body for as long as 12 hours! If you suffer from this easily, be sure to read this article. Further on, you will find several good alternatives to caffeine and coffee; healthy replacements that will help you get to sleep.

What is caffeine in?

Caffeine is not only found in coffee and energy drinks, but also in products like tea and chocolate. Although you'll get most of your caffeine intake from 'black gold' and typical energy products, cups of tea also add up nicely. A mug of tea easily contains 20-30 mg of caffeine, which is half that of a cup of coffee. As a tea lover, you still get quite a lot of caffeine. If coffee makes you nervous, check your tea intake before writing off this healthy good. Go for herbal teas, for instance; these teas contain hardly any caffeine. That way, you can still enjoy your cappuccino shots.

Coffee is healthy - and decaf a healthy alternative

It may surprise you -especially if it makes you nervous- but coffee is fundamentally healthy. For instance, it contains antioxidants and combats cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's. The sweet spot to grab these health benefits is 3-4 cups a day. That can also be decaf coffee, by the way: it has the same positive effects on your body.

Healthy substitutes: these are the best alternatives to coffee and caffeine

The best alternative for you to replace your coffee or caffeine with depends mainly on what you need it for. Do you want more energy and a better mood? More focus and concentration? Below are some options that will give you one or more of these effects.

Need more energy without caffeine? Here are our tips.

Do you especially want more energy? Earlier, we wrote an extensive article with all kinds of tips to help you gain in this area. In it, besides practical tips, you will also find a number of supplements that can help you feel more energetic. Read the article with tips for more energy here.

Uplifting alternatives to caffeine

• Products similar to caffeine in terms of effect include guarana and ginseng.
• Ginkgo Biloba also gives you more power, but in a less nervousness-inducing way.
• A cup of decaf coffee can also help; this way, you actually fool yourself a little with a placebo effect. Subconsciously, you link coffee with more energy anyway, even if you drink a decaf alternative.
• Matcha is delicious as a tea or in your smoothie. It does contain caffeine, but also the substance theanine. And the latter is known to counteract the negative effects of caffeine. The result: more energy, without that overstimulation.

Feeling healthier = waking up more energetic

Be sure to look around our shop for all products for more energy. Here you will find great natural products to improve your health and indirectly make you feel more energetic. By living healthy and choosing the right supplements, you will wake up feeling fresher and have less need for coffee, caffeine or even alternatives. Spirulina, for example, is a super healthy supplement that does your body and energy levels good in many ways.

More focus and concentration with these alternatives to caffeine

Are you lacking enough focus for work or study? Then you could use some alternatives to coffee and caffeine. Caffeine-free alternatives we'd like to tip you on:

• Microdosing can lead to more focus and sense of flow.
• Ashwagandha is a first interesting option. This substance can not only calm your mind, so you can focus better, but has many other benefits. Read all about it here.
• Ginkgo Biloba also has a positive effect on your focus, in addition to an uplifting effect.

Find all our products for more focus and concentration here.