Coffee stereo-typically would be everyone’s choice as an energy booster for your body and stimulant to wake you up in the morning. But did you know that an apple can also have the same effect and can be a better alternative to coffee? Although coffee is good for you in some ways, the advantages of waking up with an apple far surpass any benefit from coffee. In this article, we will discuss why an Apple might be a better option for a quick snack in the morning for a pick me up.
Coffee
Lots of people reach for coffee first thing in the morning as a quick pick-me-up to get their day started. When your body is asleep your blood pressure falls, as well as your body temperature. Your morning cup of coffee helps wake you up by bringing your body back to its normal levels of blood pressure, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, temperature, brain activity and respiration. There is about 100 milligrams of caffeine in an average cup of coffee, which speeds up your heart and breathing rates. This alertness stimulates the central nervous system and prepares you for the challenges of the day. Coffee itself has no calories if drank by itself, but most people will add sugar and milk/ cream and too much of these should be avoided. Coffee has always been a staple of life all over the world.
Apples
Apples contain no caffeine but instead have about 13 grams of natural sugar. These sugars provoke a similar response to caffeine because vitamins from the apple are released slowly throughout the body, making you feel more awake. Fructose, a natural sugar found in apples doesn’t give you the same jolt as coffee, but it provides slow, sustained energy that also won’t make you feel anxious or reduce your sleep quality. The high fibre content found in apples causes the natural sugar to be consumed more slowly into the system, avoiding the letdown feeling that is so common after the initial energy buzz of coffee has worn off.
Although coffee has some nutritional value and can be good for you in some ways, it can also negatively affect you, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine. Drinking too much can make you feel jittery or anxious and interfere with your sleep. Chronic overconsumption can cause nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, dehydration, upset stomach and fatigue.
So, while it’s true that you won’t get that same caffeine boost from choosing an apple over a cup of coffee, you also won’t get any of the negative side effects and you’ll get some added health benefits.
More Coffee alternitives
WATER – Water is the best way to stay hydrated and prevent lethargy and tiredness. Nothing will perk you up more than a tall glass of water in the morning. Overnight, as we sleep, we become dehydrated, which is why our body benefits from water first thing in the morning. Water helps to get our metabolism going – and it has zero calories but is very hydrating! Even if you stick to having your morning cup of coffee, it is essential to stay hydrated with water, since coffee is a diuretic that dehydrates you.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – Apple cider vinegar is known to stave off sleepiness as it is rich in probiotics and B vitamins that are responsible for boosting our energy levels. The next time you need a jolt of energy (in the morning or otherwise), take a shot of diluted apple cider vinegar. Finish with a tall glass of water and you will be feeling awake in no time.
MATCHA – Matcha is a powerful-looking green tea that has slightly less caffeine than coffee but is loaded with powerful antioxidants that are responsible for boosting energy. Matcha tea also contains L-Theanine, which is a naturally calming agent that works with caffeine to provide happy energy throughout the day. Mix up a teaspoon of matcha powder with hot water for a delightful and healthy drink.
GREEN TEA – If you are looking to cut down your caffeine consumption substantially, then switching to green tea is a great alternative. It contains less caffeine than coffee or black tea, but just enough to help you feel awake without feeling lethargic throughout the day. Sip on it during the day to stay alert and enjoy its generous offerings of antioxidants.
Chicory Coffee – Like coffee beans, chicory root can be roasted, ground and brewed into a delicious hot beverage. It tastes very similar to coffee but is caffeine-free. It is also a rich source of inulin. This soluble fibre may aid in digestion and support a healthy gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria
Kombucha – Kombucha is made by fermenting black tea with bacteria, yeast and sugar. The fermentation process creates a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, commonly referred to as a SCOBY. After fermentation, kombucha contains probiotics, acetic acid and antioxidants — all of which may have health benefits