Haskapa

Three Invigorating Alternatives to Coffee: Matcha, Mushroom Coffee, and Haskapa Berry Powder

Three Invigorating Alternatives to Coffee: Matcha, Mushroom Coffee, and Haskapa Berry Powder

For many of us, coffee is the go-to elixir that kickstarts our day, offering a much-needed caffeine boost to overcome the morning grogginess. However, not everyone is fond of the jitters and energy crashes that often accompany coffee. If you're seeking an invigorating alternative to coffee, consider exploring Matcha, Mushroom Coffee, and Haskapa Berry Powder. These options promise a more balanced caffeine experience, as well as a caffeine-free, fruity alternative.

Matcha: The Green Elixir

Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, has been celebrated for centuries in Japanese culture for its unique flavour and numerous health advantages. One of the key differentiators between matcha and coffee is the way their caffeine content affects your body.

Matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which works in tandem with caffeine to provide a smoother, more focused energy boost. L-theanine promotes relaxation without drowsiness, and it can help reduce the jittery side effects associated with coffee. This harmonious combination provides alertness and concentration without the overwhelming buzz.

In fact, many people who have made the switch from coffee to matcha report a more sustained, even energy throughout the day, and claim they don’t experience the sudden energy highs and lows that often come with coffee consumption.

Health Benefits of Matcha

Beyond its caffeine-related advantages, matcha is also packed with beneficial phytonutrients. It's a rich source of antioxidants, including catechins, which may help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Epidemiological studies have shown that drinking green tea is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.

Moreover, some studies are suggesting that matcha may be effective in improving cognitive function as we age.  

So just one cup of matcha a day can be a truly invigorating and wholesome alternative to coffee.

 

Mushroom Coffee: The Fungus with a Kick

Mushroom coffee might sound unusual, but it's an increasingly popular coffee alternative that combines coffee with adaptogenic mushroom extracts. The most common mushrooms used in this beverage are the lion's mane mushroom and chaga mushroom.

Similar to matcha, mushroom coffee offers a smoother, more balanced caffeine experience. The mushroom extracts work synergistically with caffeine to provide energy without the jitters. Plus, they can help counteract coffee's acidity, making it gentler on the stomach.

Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee

Mushroom coffee's potential health benefits extend beyond its caffeine interaction. Lion's mane mushroom has been used in traditional medicine for many years. Recent small clinical studies have suggested this mushroom may have neuroprotective and cognitive benefits.

Chaga, on the other hand, is loaded with antioxidants, which may help fight inflammation and boost the immune system. Laboratory and animal studies have shown promising early results. However no human studies have been performed and unwanted side effects could occur with bleeding or autoimmune conditions. Please check here before you try.

For those who are seeking a caffeine alternative with a distinct flavour profile, mushroom coffee offers a unique, earthy taste that sets it apart from traditional coffee. It might not taste like your regular cup of tea, but its mild, woody flavour can be quite enjoyable for those looking to try something new.

You can learn more about mushroom coffee here.

Haskapa Berry Powder: The Fruity and Refreshing Alternative

Enter Haskapa Berry Powder, a delightful and caffeine-free alternative to coffee or tea. This vibrant berry powder can be mixed with hot water to create a fruity and refreshing beverage. Haskapa Berry Powder is made with 100% pure haskap berries which are four times higher in anthocyanins than blueberries.

To enhance your Haskapa Berry Powder experience, consider adding a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey for an extra boost of flavour and potential health benefits. The lemon's zesty citrus notes and the honey's natural sweetness complement the berry's tanginess, creating a well-balanced and revitalising drink that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

In Conclusion

If you're looking for an invigorating alternative to coffee, you now have three delightful options: Matcha, Mushroom Coffee, and Haskapa Berry Powder. Matcha and Mushroom Coffee offer smoother, more balanced caffeine experiences with an array of potential health benefits. Meanwhile, Haskapa Berry Powder stands out as a caffeine-free, fruity, and refreshing alternative made with pure haskap berries. Whether you're seeking a calmer, more focused start to your day or a new flavour adventure, these alternatives are worth exploring. So why not give them a try and see how they energise your day in a different, and perhaps even more invigorating, way?

 

References:

Effect of Green Tea Phytochemicals on Mood and Cognition, Current Pharmaceutical Design (2017) 23: 2876. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612823666170105151800

Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Mruk H, Janda K. Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules. 2021; 26(1):85. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010085

Kuriyama S. The relation between green tea consumption and cardiovascular disease as evidenced by epidemiological studies. J Nutr. 2008 Aug;138(8):1548S-1553S. doi: 10.1093/jn/138.8.1548S. PMID: 18641205

Ide K, Yamada H, Takuma N, Park M, Wakamiya N, Nakase J, Ukawa Y, Sagesaka YM. Green Tea Consumption Affects Cognitive Dysfunction in the Elderly: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2014; 6(10):4032-4042. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6104032

Arab L, Liu W, Elashoff D. Green and black tea consumption and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis. Stroke. 2009 May;40(5):1786-92. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.108.538470. Epub 2009 Feb 19. PMID: 19228856.

Lull C, Wichers HJ, Savelkoul HF. Antiinflammatory and immunomodulating properties of fungal metabolites. Mediators Inflamm. 2005 Jun 9;2005(2):63-80. doi: 10.1155/MI.2005.63. PMID: 16030389; PMCID: PMC1160565.

Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2634. PMID: 18844328.