Are you a coffee junkie? Do you depend on that first cup of Joe in the morning to feel like a functional human being? If you said yes to either of these questions, you are not alone. According to Coffee Marvel, 54 percent of people over the age of 18 drink coffee daily, and 30 percent occasionally drink the beverage. For those with demanding medical careers, the dependency on coffee may even increase.
"Consumers see coffee as an integral part of their everyday lives," said Robert Nelson, President and CEO of the National Coffee Association, according to the source.
However, while the beverage has gained a foothold in American culture, coffee may not be a healthy drink. According to research published in the Harvard Women's Health Watch magazine, coffee's main ingredient – caffeine – is a mild addictive stimulant and can cause modest cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and heart beat irregularity.
If you're trying to kick the coffee habit for healthier options, consider switching out that cup of Joe with one of these drinks:
1. Water. Nothing can beat the health benefits of drinking water throughout the day. Whether you like to consume the beverage with ice or with a dose of lemon, switch out coffee for water to rejuvenate your body and your spirit.
2. Herbal tea. This beverage option comes in a variety of flavors, such as ginger, peppermint, chamomile, rooibos, orange spice, cinnamon and more. The Huffington Post reports that herbal teas provide a similar comfort to drinkers as coffee, yet are usually caffeine-free and come in more flavors.
3. Green tea. While this drink contains caffeine, the level of the mild stimulant in the beverage is highly reduced in comparison to a regular cup of coffee. In addition to being soothing, the drink is full of antioxidants, which will help you remain healthy.
4. Fruit juice. There are plenty of fruit juice drinks out on the market that provide a wide range of health benefits. The variety will help give you plenty of options so that you don't get bored of your daily beverage. Before buying a particular brand of juice, make sure to read the label to try and find one that has less artificial flavoring and more of the good stuff – like actual fruit juice instead of sugar concentrates.