Pick Me Up!
Eight energy-boosting alternatives to caffeine, for your body and mind
By Nadia Gardner
Whether coffee is a friend or foe, the pendulum seems to swing with some frequency. On one hand, there is a wide-ranging host of potential health benefits associated with the drink, including lower risks of cardiovascular disease. On the other, there’s talk in alternative circles that just one cup can stress out your adrenals and shift sleep patterns.
Whatever your stance, it’s only natural to feel sluggish at times. There's so much that demands our attention and energy, we can have the tendency to feel drained. But if you don't want to keep reaching for that coffee hit, or just don't like the taste, you can invest in products that boost your body and skin naturally. Fuel your morning high with these eight caffeine alternatives for sustainable energy from the earth to help you feel your best every day.
Have a smoothie
Having a morning smoothie with a probiotic powder and tonic has taken off across wellness circles. It’s jam-packed with nutrients that feed your skin from the inside and can give you a huge energy boost. Opt for one loaded with antioxidants, omega-3s and gut-friendly superfoods - banana, chia seeds, blueberries, cinnamon and almond milk. Refreshingly simple.
Matcha Tea
Matcha is a green tea created by steaming, drying and grinding the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant into a fine powder. In contrast to brewable green tea, you consume the whole leaf. For this reason, you’re getting a much richer source of antioxidants.
Vitamin B
When we have a Vitamin B deficiency, it can affect our mood, cause fatigue, and result in poor concentration. Ensure you're eating an abundance of B-vitamin-rich foods. Think lean meats, nuts, seeds, and fortified grains. And of course, B vitamins are also available as supplements.
Kombucha
Kombucha is made by fermenting black tea with bacteria, yeast and sugar. The fermentation process creates a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. After fermentation, kombucha contains probiotics, acetic acid and antioxidants — all of which may have valuable health benefits.
Peppermint Oil
Fresh, minty, and invigorating – peppermint oil is perfect for a punch of high-energy and head-clearing focus. When diffused, this oil creates a stimulating atmosphere for daily tasks, immediately adding vitality and energy to any environment. Peppermint Oil acts as an effective decongestant by helping to clear senses and combat weariness. It is great for muscle fatigue, as well as the added benefit of helping relieve seasonal allergies, nausea, fever, digestion problems and even hiccups!
Apple Cider Vinegar
An incredibly profitable source of energy is apple cider vinegar, is made by fermenting crushed apples using yeast and bacteria. This process produces a compound called acetic acid, which may have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels.
Ginseng
If you look at the ingredients of popular energy drinks, you'll likely see ginseng. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng was used as an energy-replenishing tonic. It was said to supplement the spleen, lung, heart, liver, and kidneys, and sharpen the mind. Today, it's used for memory and endurance, as well as for enhancing concentration.
Rooibos Tea
Red tea is a caffeine-free beverage that originated in South Africa. Its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (as much as fifty times more antioxidant power than green tea) makes it a perfect candidate for face creams. So, from now on, enjoy your rooibos inside and out.
Our favourite natural pick-me-up products for body and mind…
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