Beyond Coffee: 4 Superfood Alternatives for Zen Focus
Tired of the coffee jitters? Optimize your productivity and boost your brainpower with these nourishing & energizing superfoods
The “dark side” of coffee
Coffee: the beloved beverage that fuels our busy lives. For many of us, it’s the first thing we reach for to start our day. With approximately 1 billion coffee drinkers worldwide consuming over 2.2 billion cups per day, it’s clear that coffee has become an integral part of modern society.
However, excessive consumption can lead to negative side effects — such as anxiety, headaches, and digestive issues. It begs the question, is the juice worth the squeeze?
Many of us are growing weary of the heavy toll of coffee and are beginning to seek out healthier alternatives. We’re looking for different ways to promote alertness and optimize productivity without compromising our long-term health.
So, here’s a list of four effective coffee alternatives that nourish the body while providing a smooth, sustained source of energy.
1. Yerba maté
Yerba maté is an evergreen shrub found in the subtropical forests of South America. Its leaves are used to make a tea which is commonly consumed in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Brazil. It is highly regarded for its pleasant, stimulating effect and its health-boosting properties.
The dried leaves are steeped in hot water and sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla. With a slightly bitter and smoky flavor, it contains around 50–70mg of caffeine per serving as well as a healthy dose of theobromine. Maté is also rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and polyphenols.
Maté is so highly prized that it is considered the national drink of Argentina — with up to 90% of the population consuming it regularly. It is enjoyed for its calm, uplifting effect without the typical crash or “over-stimulation” of coffee.
2. Cacao
Cacao is an evergreen tree native to South and Central America. It produces seeds known as cacao beans which are used to make chocolate and various beverages.
Cacao is an ancient superfood renowned for its unique flavor, nutritional value, and invigorating effect. It has been a staple of indigenous cultures for thousands of years — including the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations of Mesoamerica.
Theobromine — the primary active compound — is related to caffeine and produces similar feelings of alertness and wakefulness. Cacao also contains anandamide, tryptophan, and essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and copper.
With such a rich history and nutritional profile, it’s no wonder that its name means “the food of the gods.”
3. Matcha
Matcha is a finely powdered form of green tea that is native to East Asia but today is mainly produced in China and Japan. It’s made by shading the tea plant from direct sunlight before harvest to enhance its flavor and increase the production of naturally-occurring compounds. After being de-veined, the resulting tencha leaf is ground into matcha powder using stone mills.
Matcha contains the amino-acid theanine, which is known for relieving stress by increasing serotonin, dopamine, and glycine in the brain. It also increases natural growth factors that contribute to neurogenesis and neural plasticity.
When combined with caffeine, theanine has a synergistic effect that enhances cognitive performance, producing smooth and long-lasting alertness. It’s a popular choice among so-called “nootropic enthusiasts” because it’s said to mitigate the unwanted side effects of caffeine by slowing down its absorption.
4. Functional mushrooms
Functional or medicinal mushrooms are a group of fungi species with exceptional health benefits. They differ from the common edible mushrooms that you see on supermarket shelves (portobellos, chestnuts, etc) due to their unique effects on the body. The most common functional mushrooms include lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, and reishi.
Although they do not contain caffeine, these mushrooms energize the body by aiding various physiological functions — including cognitive & immune health, sleep, stress & inflammation response, physical performance, and libido. Each functional mushroom has its own unique profile. Here’s a brief overview of the most common species:
- Lion’s Mane, also known as “the Smart Mushroom,” is famous for its cognitive and neurological benefits — including protecting neurons in the brain, as well as supporting memory, focus, and positive mood.
- Cordyceps is commonly used to increase energy and physical performance. Athletes often use it to support respiratory function and reduce tiredness & fatigue.
- Chaga is known for activating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and promoting gastrointestinal & digestive health.
- Reishi — “the Mushroom of Immortality” — has bioactive compounds that relieve stress & improve sleep and is an excellent anti-inflammatory & immune booster.
Functional mushrooms have a long history of use. They are highly revered by many ancient cultures as a source of nourishment and healing. For instance, reishi mushroom has been used as a medicinal herb for at least 2,000 years. Depictions of this mushroom appear in ancient Chinese and Japanese artwork throughout the ages. Modern science is finally catching up and beginning to verify what these cultures have known for centuries.
Conclusion
We do not have to be dependent on coffee. There are many alternatives out there that provide the desired energy boost without compromising our health. Adaptogens are a sustainable way to optimize productivity while nourishing our bodies. We ought to take inspiration from ancient wisdom to discover more sustainable and nourishing ways to energize.
