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A Better Morning Jolt Healthy Coffee Alternatives and Hacks by April Thompson
Most Americans enjoy a daily dose of coffee, and an alternatives and add-ons to shake up their routine mornincreasing body of research indicates it’s not a bad habit ing pick-me-up. Chicory-based drinks, made from roastto have. Meanwhile, a growing number of people are ed ground chicory root, are a favorite for Lauren O’Connor, adapting their morning drink rituals to incorporate ina Los Angeles registered dietitian nutritionist and author gredients ranging from matcha to mushrooms in search of Healthy Cooking for One. “Chicory is caffeine-free, acof additional health benefits. id-free and a gut-friendly alternative “After many years of research, Rather than swap out coffee to coffee,” she says. “It also has a we have concluded that coffee can roasted taste that can satisfy altogether, some java lovers robust, be a fantastic additive to the diet. those who desire more than an herbare bettering their beloved al tea. Date ‘coffee’, made from date Coffee consumption is associated with a decrease in all-cause morbeans with healthy add-ons seed, also has a deep, rich flavor.” tality, risk of cardiovascular death Some chicory tea blends also and stroke,” says Claudia Hleap, a such as powdered mushrooms, incorporate roasted dandelion root, registered dietician nutritionist in which has been used by herbalists ghee and spices. Philadelphia. for centuries to enhance the body’s Regular coffee consumption is also correlated with detoxifying functions, particularly of the liver. Golda decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes, potentially due to en milk, a traditional Indian beverage associated with its naturally containing polyphenols, which are plant Ayurvedic medicine, is another flavorful alternative with compounds with protective antioxidant properties. The numerous health benefits. Recipes vary, but golden milk caffeine in coffee, as well as in tea and cocoa, can also is typically prepared by heating milk or a plant-based boost short-term metabolism and brain function. milk alternative along with turmeric, black pepper, ginAs with most things in life, moderation is key; overger, cinnamon, honey, vanilla and/or cardamom. “These consumption of coffee can result in insomnia, irritabilwarming spices go above a simple caffeine replacement ity, gastrointestinal issues and other short-lived side to provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits,” says effects. “Caffeine intake may negatively impact sleep Trista Best, a registered dietitian in Dalton, Georgia. duration and quality, which is essential for optimal Best also recommends matcha, a traditional Japanese health,” says Hleap. “Coffee can also serve as a vessel drink made from powdered, young, green tea leaves for added sugars and unhealthy fats in the diet if you are whisked in water as a coffee alternative with less cafadding sweeteners and artificial creamers.” feine and other added benefits. Because the tea leaves Many java drinkers today are experimenting with healthy are essentially consumed in powder form rather than 26
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