How to replace coffee? This is a question I have been asked frequently.
In fact, coffee has always been at the center of discussions: according to some studies or some medical traditions it should be avoided, according to other studies it can be beneficial.
Index
- Coffee pros and cons
- Why replacing coffee can be necessary and useful
- How to replace coffee: the alternatives
- Chicory coffee
- Barley coffee
- Spelt coffee
- Dandelion Coffee
- Conclusions: There is a better alternative to coffee
Coffee pros and cons
Those in favor point out that coffee:
- contains important antioxidants ,
- stimulates the nervous system,
- speeds up metabolism, promoting weight loss.
Furthermore, its daily consumption can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Those against it argue that coffee:
- promotes insomnia,
- can trigger states of anxiety,
- worsening pathologies such as gastroesophageal reflux and gastritis as it has a pH of around 5, therefore acidic,
- for the same reason indicated above, high coffee consumption promotes the acidification of the organism and therefore the onset of diseases.
Additionally, caffeine can be addictive .
For traditional Chinese medicine, “coffee, understood as a roasted bean, is hot in nature”, which is why it falls into a category of foods that are not exactly balanced. (cit. Elena Alquati, article Can a cup of coffee be harmful? Scientific studies and Chinese dietetics).
I will not delve into this debate , I could demonstrate one or the other hypothesis by referring to authoritative sources in both cases.
One variable that is often not considered is the subject who drinks the coffee.
How much coffee does he drink, why does he drink it, what is his diet like? And his health?
Starting from the assumption that for every food a balanced consumption is wise, coffee can also be consumed keeping this rule in mind.
What do I mean by balanced consumption? It depends on the person, generally speaking I would say no more than 1 or 2 cups a day, not every day, let’s say 4/5 days a week.
Why replacing coffee can be necessary and useful
However, there are cases in which it can be useful to find an alternative to coffee, for example:
- you suffer from gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux or other digestive system diseases
- you are particularly sensitive to caffeine and have disturbed sleep
- you feel stressed, or you are experiencing a period of particular tension at work or in the family
- you don’t like the taste of coffee
- due to the type of work, you drink too much coffee every day
- you want to reduce your coffee consumption
The alternatives to coffee that I propose are for a drink that resembles coffee and that allows us not to lose the habit, avoiding the intake of caffeine.
How to replace coffee: the alternatives
Chicory coffee
It does not contain caffeine, stimulates digestion. It has a bitter aftertaste but a pleasant taste and can be drunk without sugar. It has hypoglycemic and cardiotonic properties, that is, it helps regulate the heart rate.
Contraindications: it is an acidic drink, so those who suffer from gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux should not consume it regularly.
Organic Chicory for Moka
Naturally caffeine free – Slightly bitter with hints of caramel
Solomons Coffee
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Barley coffee
It contains no caffeine and has a strong taste that not everyone likes.
Contraindications: barley is a grass and contains gluten, albeit in minimal quantities. Furthermore, barley coffee is not recommended in cases of celiac disease, gluten sensitivity and for those following the blood group diet if blood group 0, it must be consumed in moderation by those belonging to group A and group B.
Spelt coffee
It is obtained from toasted and ground spelt and is, obviously, caffeine-free. It is prepared with a coffee maker or with a saucepan with hot water, it has a bitter aftertaste reminiscent of coffee. Being bitter it has purifying properties and is good for the intestine. It has anti-anemic and antioxidant properties, excellent at all ages, even for the elderly and young teenagers. It is generally found in shops or e-shops of organic products.
Contraindications: like barley, spelt is also a grass and contains gluten, albeit in minimal quantities, which is why it is not recommended in cases of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Roasted Ground Farro Coffee
Soluble spelt from Italian agriculture
The Window to the Sky
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Dandelion Coffee
It is prepared with the toasted roots of the dandelion plant (dandelion), it has no caffeine. It is an anti-inflammatory drink and is good for the liver, precisely because of its bitter taste. Contraindications and warnings: it is advisable to avoid consuming dandelion coffee in case of gastritis, ulcers, kidney stones. It can be found in organic shops and e-shops or in herbalist’s shops, however, it is generally sold mixed with chicory and barley. It is well tolerated by all blood groups.
Conclusions: There is a better alternative to coffee
The answer is, of course, no. There is no ideal substitute for coffee in absolute terms, perhaps there is a better alternative for each of us.
I advise you to try, experiment and try to understand which drink makes you feel better. You can also range in other areas, with the various types of tea such as Matcha tea , Bancha tea, Kukicha tea, Yerba Mate , wheat grass.
You can also decide that, without excess, you can allow yourself your cup of coffee. Maybe even two, but don’t go beyond that. And don’t forget the aspect of conviviality. Whatever choice you decide to make, let it be a happy choice and not a sacrifice.