We all like to kickstart our day with a tonic of our choice. Be it tea, coffee, lemon-water or even herbal kawhas! While we know the harmful effects of the caffeine content in tea and coffee, our addiction and dependency to it knows very little bounds.
The desire and craving for tea and coffee has been increasing so rampantly even when we know both the beverages can lead to some serious health complications. But how else do we kick-start our day? What could be the healthier alternative?
To alleviate this addiction and to start the day better, here are 5 healthier options to tea/coffee.
1. Chicory coffee
Ingredients:
Method:
Add the filtered Chicory root in a glass, add hot milk and Jaggery powder.
Serve Hot.
Benefits: This tea is much better than normal coffee as Chicory roots have more fiber and nutrients than normal coffee and also have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.
2. Lemon and kokum juice
Ingredients:
Method:
Add Kokum juice in a bowl, add lemon juice and water (about ¾ glass). Add salt or Honey as per taste.
Benefits: Kokum is naturally sweet, salty and astringent. It is loaded with nutrients and vitamins like A, B3, C, B9 and minerals like Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Manganese and Potassium. It also has a healthy amount of fibers and is the perfect start for the day. Lemon, as we all know very well is rich in Vitamin C and excellent for detoxifying and energizing the body.
Perfect start for the day, won’t you agree?
Read More: 5 Best Healthy Fat Foods to Eat Daily
3. Qahwa (Arabic tea):
Ingredients:
Method:
Bring water to boil in a saucepan. When it boils, add ground coffee. After 10 minutes of boiling, add cloves, crushed cardamom and stir once and boil for another 4 to 5 minutes. Now switch off the flame, cover and let coffee grounds settle at the bottom for a minute. Do not stir at this time since the liquid needs to settle. Now add the rose water and saffron. Strain and pour the steaming coffee into the flask or teapot.
Benefits: This is an excellent energy drink that acts as a natural remedy for congestion, severe cold, even headaches, and migraine, and helps in reducing cholesterol. It aids in digestion, keeps the skin healthy and rejuvenates you while speeding up the metabolism and burning calories. It is also proven to release stress and strengthen the immune system.
4. Pumpkin Apple Cider
Ingredients:
Pumpkin syrup:
Spiced cider:
1 cups Apple cider
½ orange, sliced
5 cloves
1 cinnamon sticks
Method:
In a saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, water, pumpkin spice and pumpkin extract and bring to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every now and then, until it thickens and becomes a syrup.
In the meantime, stud the orange slices with the cloves and reserve.
Transfer the syrup to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients, stirring to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until fragrant and warm. Remove the cinnamon, star anise and orange slices and serve.
Benefits: This drink backs in loads of fibre and vitamins. Cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against free radicals and cell damage, lowering your risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. With the go odness of both pumpkin and apple combined, this drink improves internal functions, aids weight-loss, provides natural sugar to the body and adds a refreshing boost to our day ahead.
5. Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients:
Method:
Add apple cider and caramel sauce to a small saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. Stirring constantly, heat until the apple cider is hot and the caramel sauce has completely melted. Pour into mug and serve warm.
Benefits: It helps in promoting blood flow and filtration, which helps in boosting energy within the liver. Apple cider vinegar can aid in the removal of harmful toxins that tend to build up in an overwhelmed or unhealthy liver, enhancing the detoxification process of our body. It also improves blood sugar levels, provides relief from indigestion and decreases the risks of heart diseases and cancer.
In addition to being refreshing and delicious, these yogic drinks made from natural ingredients are loaded with nutritional and medicinal values that are very beneficial to us. They’ve been use to cure various ailments and imbalances for years now and will continue doing so for the years to come. It’s time we optimally enjoy and utilize these health benefits. Namaskar!
Check Out Our Course : 21-Days Better Living Yoga Course