How caffeine works and what healthy alternatives to coffee are

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Morning begins with him and thanks to him a vigorous working day continues. It is drunk by residents of almost all countries of the world and even by cosmonauts of all ISS crews. Scientists do not stop studying the properties of coffee, and every now and then there are news on the network about its wonderful benefits, then about its dangers. We asked Anna Drobysheva, a nutritionist and expert at the iHerb marketplace for vitamins and natural supplements for a healthy lifestyle, to tell you how coffee actually works and what can be substituted for it.

The vigor mechanism

It is known that coffee stimulates the nervous and cardiovascular systems, relieves drowsiness, and improves mood. But how does this happen at the biochemical level? Let's figure it out in more detail.

Almost all of our cells contain adenosine. It is one of the main components of ATP acid - the fuel for all metabolic processes in the body.

During the day, adenosine accumulates in cells, and our fatigue depends on its level. You can imagine that our body is a weightlifter, and adenosine is a barbell. The athlete gradually takes on more and more weight, new plates are added to the barbell. But at some point, the weight becomes too much, and the athlete is forced to throw the barbell so as not to harm himself.

So it is with adenosine. When there is too much of it, it is removed from the cells and acts on special receptors that are located in nerve cells, heart cells, kidneys, and vascular walls. He gives them a brake signal, tells them that it's time to relieve tension and rest.

What changes coffee in this process? Caffeine molecules take up space from adenosine. They instead attach themselves to the right receptors and block the fatigue signal. As a result, the athlete does not feel the weight of the barbell, although there are no fewer pancakes on it. Therefore, in order not to harm yourself, it is important to stop in time.

Who can drink coffee and how much

If you have problems with the cardiovascular system, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract or kidneys, it is best to cut out caffeine. Let's remember that coffee acts on receptors that are located in the organs of these systems. If you noticed that your heart beats faster after coffee, you start to worry, you cannot find a place for yourself - these are also alarm bells that hint: the amount of caffeine should be reduced.

If you do not have a tendency to such problems, you can breathe more calmly and make yourself a cup of coffee in the morning and afternoon. But no more. Two cups of invigorating drink a day is the optimal amount. Three to four cups a day already increases the risk of future problems.

However, it is important to drink coffee not on an empty stomach to avoid heartburn. Best of all - during breakfast or lunch. If there is no opportunity for a snack, at least add milk to the drink.

How to replace coffee

But what if the morning is not so good without coffee, and the day is no longer as productive as usual? Let's face it, it's not just caffeine. The taste of good coffee with chocolate, creamy or nutty notes brings us a good mood. In addition, getting up in the morning, going to your favorite coffee shop, inhaling the aroma of a freshly brewed drink in a pleasant environment, or even brewing it yourself is a small but very important ritual that energizes.

The good news is that you don't have to give up all of this. There are now alternative natural drinks that will delight you with both coffee flavor and health benefits.

Chicory and dandelion root are one of the most popular alternatives. This drink does not contain caffeine, but has a coffee flavor without bitterness or acidity. Its drink comes from a mixture of roasted roots. Add one teaspoon of the drink - you get a very light, weak drink, more like tea. Take the canteen for a full-bodied, full-bodied coffee. Conveniently, chicory and dandelion root can not only be brewed, but also added to desserts according to the same principle as regular coffee.

Another option is the barley-based Pero drink. It has become popular due to its rich taste and naturalness. To get a drink similar to coffee, one heaping teaspoon is enough per cup. Milk and sugar or sweeteners can be added if desired. But it's important to remember that barley contains gluten.

Coffee alternatives have another plus: they come in a variety of flavors. For variety, try Teeccino light roast herbal coffee with chicory and orange. It, like other alternatives, is caffeine-free. It contains organic chicory, barley, dates, almonds, orange peel and figs. Together they give an unforgettable aroma and taste, slightly softer than that of regular coffee. The principle of preparation is the same: brew from one teaspoon to one tablespoon of the drink, depending on the strength, and add any milk and sweetener if desired.