
It also has antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It is naturally sweet and similar in taste and texture to chocolate.Ĭarob is incredibly nutritious and may aid digestion. Learn more about the health benefits and risks of chocolate here.įor a more nutritious but equally convenient snack, people can try the following: CarobĬarob comes from the fruit pods of the carob tree. Due to this caffeine, as well as the stimulating effect of sugar, snacking on chocolate can affect blood sugar levels. However, as many juice products are high in added sugars, it is best to use fresh fruits or opt for 100% fruit juices, where possible.Ĭhocolate is made from cocoa beans, which naturally contain caffeine. Some juices that work well are cranberry, raspberry and apple, and grape. Mixing plain soda water with a little fruit juice and a squeeze of lemon or lime provides a refreshing alternative. Some people find the pleasing fizz of sodas difficult to give up. A squeeze of lemon juice can give it added “zing.” Soda water with fruit juice Using frozen fruit gives a smoothie the same refreshing chill that soda provides. They can try experimenting with different fruits and vegetables to find combinations that suit their palate. People can make a smoothie at home by using a blender to combine whole pieces of fruit or vegetables with water or juice. Research has shown clear links between soda consumption and increased body weight, as well as lower intakes of calcium and other important nutrients. People can make this tea by steeping a rooibos tea bag or loose leaves in hot water for up to 10 minutes, according to their taste preference.Ī range of rooibos teas is available for purchase online. Rooibos tea does not have this effect because it has a low tannin content. Despite having some antioxidant properties, tannins also inhibit the amount of iron that a person can absorb, potentially contributing to low iron levels. With a slightly sweet, fruity flavor, it is available in tea bags or as loose-leaf tea.Ĭoffee and tea both contain tannins. Rooibos, or “red bush,” tea is an increasingly popular hot beverage that originated in South Africa. One study found that it can improve bowel movement and hyperglycemia, which is an excess of glucose in the bloodstream.Ī range of chicory root coffee products is available for purchase online. By adding 2 tablespoons of roasted chicory grounds for every 6 ounces of hot water, they can make a hot drink that smells and tastes similar to coffee.Ĭhicory is a rich source of inulin - a soluble fiber that aids digestion and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Chicory root coffeeĪs with coffee beans, people can roast, grind, and brew chicory root. The alternatives below contain no caffeine at all.

Learn more about caffeine withdrawal here.Ī cup of coffee contains 30–350 mg of caffeine, depending on the particular blend, type, and size. People who regularly consume caffeine should be aware that they may suddenly experience withdrawal symptoms, similar to those in the list above, if they suddenly stop or reduce their caffeine intake. Regular coffee consumption may also lead to lower iron levels in the blood, which can result in iron-deficiency anemia.

The sugar content in some of these products also contributes to their stimulating effect. Many people report craving the “pick-me-up” effect of a coffee, chocolate bar, or soda when they feel tired or sluggish and come to rely on these quick energy fixes to get them through the day.

However, how caffeine affects the body varies depending on a person’s weight, age, and overall health. Studies have found that moderate doses of caffeine - about 300–400 milligrams (mg) per day - do not have any negative effects on health. Share on Pinterest Image credit: Oscar Wong/Getty Images
