Morning Coffee

First a short explanation of the word “drug” - a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body.

Coffee is the most popular drug made from roasted coffee beans. It is enjoyed by millions of people around the world and is known for its caffeine content, which can help increase alertness and focus.

Like many other drugs, caffeine can be overdone and create dependence.

Even if the dependency isn’t strictly physiological, we can mask a lack of discipline and healthy habits with coffee.

“It’s fine that I’m never rested and always feel knackered, I just need my cuppa coffee.” - seemingly everyone

I love coffee and don’t deny the findings that coffee has great health benefits. I drink coffee on a daily basis and prepare one every morning for my fiancé. I think it’s tasty and has a great social aspect to it, from meeting people for it to surprising coworkers in the morning.

Caffeine works its magic by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, which can help increase alertness and focus. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and suppresses arousal, and by blocking its receptors, caffeine can prevent these effects and lead to increased wakefulness and energy.

If we can avoid this blocking effect for the first 90 minutes after waking, we can make our caffeine enjoyment more sustainable by avoiding mid-morning crashes, which then make us crave/ need more caffeine, rather than enjoying a second cup.

Personally, I love a warm blanket of a drink first thing in the morning, alongside my glass of water. So! Here are some alternatives to spice up your morning fix.

Mushroom coffee

With or without coffee, Functional Mushrooms, such as Chaga or Lion's mane, have a huge history and tradition in Nordic cultures and have been linked to various health benefits, including improved immune function, decreased inflammation, and increased brain function, Chaga has been referred to as, among other things, the mushroom of immortality. Mushroom coffee is also lower in caffeine than regular coffee, making it a good alternative for those who are sensitive to caffeine or looking to reduce their caffeine intake. Additionally, some people find that the combination of coffee and mushrooms provides a unique and enjoyable flavour.

Raw Cacao

This one is a personal favourite and is coming back on the regular menu for yours truly. Raw cacao has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health, cognitive function, and mood. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against damage from free radicals. Raw cacao also contains flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and may help lower blood pressure. Additionally, some studies have suggested that consuming raw cacao may have positive effects on brain function, such as improving memory and reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline. On top of that, it just tastes great. You can prepare it a number of ways but, mostly, I recommend getting high-quality cacao.

Tea

A good old cuppa tea. It’s been around for a while and has so many variations to play with. Most of these have a lot less caffeine than a usual cup of coffee. You can prepare a traditional breakfast tea or for something a bit lighter and perhaps refreshing, ginger and lemon. The huge variety caters to different tastes, moods and health benefits. You have a tea for pretty much anything.

Give one of these beverage giants a try instead of your morning coffee and see how it works for you.

Cheers,

Coach Jorge MF Camacho