Try these unique and little known coffee alternatives to start your day in 2021.
Medicinal Mushroom Tea
Medicinal teas made with mushrooms are becoming a popular health tonic, for good reason. Check out the potential benefits of these medicinal mushrooms which can be steeped into a healthful tea. Every one of these mushrooms share a common boost for the immune system, and individually they have amazing properties as well.
- Chaga – Mild in flavor, chaga has the most benefit to the immune system of these four mushrooms, Chaga also boasts a lot of antioxidants, as well as polyphenols: both betulin and melanin are found in Chaga mushrooms. Along with those, it contains a number of polysaccharides.
- Lion’s mane – Lion’s mane is known for its support of the brain, nervous system, and of cognitive health. A natural nootropic, its ability to help concentration, memory, and mood is attributed to its ability to produce “Nerve Growth Factor” in the brain, which has been said to facilitate healing of certain neurons, along with improving blood flow to the nervous system
- Reishi – Reishi is reported to increase feelings of well being and calmness. It is described as lowering anxious feelings or racing thoughts so that people who have a hard time focusing can concentrate. Additionally, it is said to be supportive of liver functions and thus aids in natural cleansing. Reishi is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant.
- Cordyceps – Cordyceps, unlike Reishi, is said to boost energy levels, increasing stamina, and facilitating energy when it might be needed. Also said to enhance sexual health, it has been used by athletes for its various positive effects on energy.
Kombucha
Kombucha tea has been controversial due to how it is brewed, and the potential risks of drinking home-brewed Kombucha, but is accepted as an amazing health tonic by a growing number of fans. Homebrewed Kombucha must begin with a SCOBY, or “Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast.” It helps to have a kombucha brewer who has been doing it for a long time to help troubleshoot any kind of bad bacteria or potentially harmful things to look for on the SCOBY while the Kombucha brews.
If you don’t have a SCOBY or an expert on Kombucha to help you brew it, you can always get a commercially made Kombucha, although purists scoff at the idea. It is said to contain probiotics, antioxidants, and to curb diseases of all sorts, including diabetes and cancers. The home-brewed type has a degree of fermentation, and if you can deal with the vinegar-like flavor of intense home brew Kombucha, it is said to even give a buzz similar to good alcohol.
Dandelion Root
(Also called “dandelion root coffee”) With a coffee-like flavor but less caffeine, it also contains vitamins A, B, C, and D, plus iron, calcium, and magnesium. It provides an energy boost that isn’t as unhealthy as coffee.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric is quickly becoming a popular, healthful additive for a number of issues. This strong-flavored, yellow tea has a component called curcumin that is one reason it is supposed to support immunity, reduce inflammation of tissues, including the improvement of arthritic symptoms, as well as reports of benefits toward cancer and organic brain issues like Alzheimer’s Disease, and liver support.
Hot Cacao
This might not seem like it is a “healthy” alternative, but cocoa beans contain things in it that are actually very good for your health. Aside from a little caffeine to boost energy, it contains anandamide, which can support feelings of well-being and happiness. A bonus dose of Magnesium helps to sustain energy, as well.
