What’s In Your Cup?
Squashing the Jitterbug
Research suggests that moderate coffee consumption is relatively safe. However the negative effects of caffeine are leading many to seek alternatives. It is easy to misuse the chemical as it is the most widely consumed, legal psychoactive drug in the world, marketed heavily and hidden in high doses among a large variety of products. Health concerns such as anxiety, insomnia, digestive complications and addiction are known drawbacks, inspiring the introduction of alternatives offering the familiar rich aroma and flavor, but without the caffeine or acidity. Here are a few worth checking out:
Kaffree Roma: A tried and true coffee substitute, this favorite is made from malted barley, roasted barley and roasted chicory root. Its woody, nutty flavor rivals any great brew, leaving heartburn and the jitters behind. Chicory is known to be a prebiotic, which feeds good bacteria in the gut.
Bueno: Available in original, pecan praline, and hazelnut flavors, this delicious alternative made of garbanzo beans boasts minerals including potassium, zinc, copper, phosphorous and iron.
Cafix: Another robust blend of heart-friendly barley, chicory, and figs, sugar beets are also included for a heartier, slightly sweeter selection.
Coffig: This unique product is quickly gaining notoriety as its earthy flavor meets mild sweetness of the delicious non-GMO Dry Black Mission Fig. Figs are packed with fiber, powerful antioxidants, calcium, iron, potassium and vitamins E, A and K. A natural source of energy, figs are also alkaline, a relief to the irritated digestive tract. Requiring only ½ tsp per cup,
More: Other choice coffee substitutes worth sampling include dandelion tea, roobois tea, mushroom coffee, and turmeric tea, all excellent hot drinks yielding plenty of health benefits without caffeine.
