Healthy Alternatives To Coffee
August 24th, 2010
Like most other sane human beings, I can’t start my morning without at least 1 cup of coffee. Meaning, my PJs aren’t coming off until I feel that glorious caffeine buzz give rush through my veins. I only have 1-2 cups in the morning before I head out the door, which I guess isn’t TOO bad, but some other more intense coffee-addicts are sucking it down all-day long, which really isn’t too healthy. Why? According to TheDietchannel.com, here are a few reasons:
- Increases stomach acid production for more than an hour after ingestion and can lead in some cases to stomach ulcers or acid reflux symptoms.
- Has a stimulating effect on the large intestine, which can cause diarrhea.
- Has been shown to interfere with the repair of chromosomes in cells which can lead to cancer.
- Can cause high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms in sensitive people
How could something that makes you feel so good, be so bad for you? I don’t know, but there are plenty of other, healthier alternatives out there:
- Chai. Spiced concoctions of black and green, which contain caffeine, and red tea, which does not.
- Rooibos tea. Also known as Redbush tea from South Africa. Like black tea, it is good with milk, but it’s caffeine-free and full of antioxidants.
- Carob powder. From the pods of the carob tree, tastes similar to cocoa. Soothes the digestive tract.
