As delicious and addictive as coffee is, it’s not the healthiest beverage you can grab on the go. Studies show that drinking coffee, on a regular basis, can have some serious side effects. According to Lawrence Wilson, MD, “Coffee contains some lead, cadmium, aluminum and perhaps other toxic metals…habitual use can add significant lead, according to our experience with hair mineral testing. All the toxic metals are quite harmful, so it makes little sense to add more to the body.”
You might be thinking,”How else am I supposed to get my energy in the morning?” Well, fortunately for you, there are a few alternatives to coffee that are not only healthy but will give you a significant boost in energy to start your day.
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1. Matcha Green Tea
Matcha is a powder that is made from green tea leaves that are steamed and ground into a fine powder. The health benefits of matcha powder over regular green tea are incredibly significant. You ingest the whole leaf instead of just brewed water. The matcha green tea provides you with major antioxidants in every sip, boosts your metabolism, enhances your concentration, and effectively detoxifies the body. According to the Matcha Source website,“One of the most unexpected health benefits of matcha tea, is that drinkers experience a boost of energy throughout the day. In one study, researchers had thought that this was from the caffeine in matcha, but they found that it was actually the combination of matcha’s natural properties. Another recent study found that matcha even improved physical endurance by 24%.”
2. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass juice is a natural energizer that packs a powerful punch of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. “Because of its easy digestibility and rapid assimilation, it’s a natural energy supplement, whether alone or added to a protein-type supplement drink,” says Gloria Gilbère, doctor of natural health. Wheatgrass juice also contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, l and K, as well as 17 amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
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3. Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba mate is made from the naturally caffeinated leaves of the holly tree in the South American rainforest. This tea has the strength of coffee with the health benefits of tea. This tea not only delivers a high dose of energy but a substantial amount of nutrition, as well. “Yerba mate is a central nervous system stimulant containing caffeine, but it also contains a number of other nutrients, including antioxidants, amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals, ” says the Fit Day website. Some people also use mate to improve their mood, to relieve headache and joint pains; or even to promote weight loss.