Workout enhancer. Power amplifier. Millions depend on caffeine to navigate the craziness of modern life. But caffeinated drinks can be a powerful friend or your worst enemy, depending on how they affect your nerves and your health. Sodas and energy drinks are full of calories and chemicals that are harmful to your health. They are definitely not recommended sources of caffeine.
But fear not, caffeine lover: there are ways to get the energy and clarity you crave without falling prey to all the extra baggage. Here are the top 10
Green tea: there are a hundred thousand varieties of green tea (well, maybe not that many, but there are many!). Most of them have a lower caffeine content, around 25mg per 8oz cup. That’s enough to clear out cobwebs, but not enough to keep you plugged in all night. The benefits of green tea they are countless and are more than just added bonuses to the caffeine boost. Flavonoids boost immunity, help with weight loss and antioxidants even have anti-aging effects to keep free radicals at bay.
Express: A shot of smooth, robust and aromatic espresso is a great way to get some caffeine if you need it, like now. Super low in calories and packed with antioxidant benefits, what more could you ask for?
Sugar-free iced tea: don’t drink sweet tea. I’ve worked in many restaurants over the years, and I vividly remember dumping bags of sugar (yes, plural) into ready-made tea. Sweet teas sold at convenience stores often have more sugar than soft drinks. Opt for sweet teas, an unpretentious but much healthier cousin to regular iced tea. A glass of iced tea has about 47 mg of caffeine. Fix it with a little lemon or just learn to love the taste of tea.
Matcha: if you haven’t boarded the train yet matcha, continue as soon as possible. A type of stone-ground Japanese green tea, Matcha is different from your other green teas. It doesn’t need to be soaked because it’s ground into a super fine green powder. It has an umami flavor and sometimes a sweetness due to the high amino acid content. The high L-theanine content in Matcha gives it a calming effect and the 25mg of caffeine per scoop energizes you. The result is a lucid serenity that lets you focus on your work without nervousness. Oh, vitamin C, antioxidants, magnesium and zinc are good for you too.
American: This 5-calorie-per-cup caffeine source is just espresso plus hot water. The beverage of choice for American soldiers during World War II and for waist-conscious Starbucks customers today.
Other good sources of caffeine
Guarana Berries: these little ones are found in the Amazon and they have a big impact. Each contains about twice the amount of caffeine found in coffee beans. They are available in herbal extract or tea form and are an effective dietary aid because they reduce hunger cravings.
Mate herb: Another herb found in the Amazon and popular throughout South America, yerba mate is an energizing and social drink. It is most commonly prepared in a special device called a calabash, with a straw and hot water.
Regular black coffee: the classic for a reason. Coffee is high in caffeine and low in calories as long as no greasy creams or sugary syrups are added.
Earl Gray Tea: The classic cup in the UK, Earl Gray provides about half the caffeine of a cup of coffee and is packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants. The aromatic bergamot used to make the tea also has calming properties that relieve stress and anxiety. Other forms of black tea are also healthy.
dark chocolate: In addition to being a delicious dessert, dark chocolate also contains a hint of caffeine. It is also known to lower cholesterol, promote weight loss, and may help with brain function. For a crazy double dip in caffeine, melt a square of dark chocolate in your coffee.
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