HEALTHY AND AFFORDABLE COFFEE SUBSTITUTES

Too much coffee can have unwelcome side-effects (like increasing anxiety and sometimes causing hormone imbalances) – and it’s getting expensive, too. Want to cut the caffeine and the cost by switching to another hot drink? Here are some options.

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ROOIBOS
This indigenous Western Cape plant has antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and even cancer. Rooibos doesn’t go bitter if it steeps for long, so aim for ten minutes with 1 to 1,5 teaspoons of loose leaves.

GREEN
Green tea comes from the same plant as regular tea, it’s just processed differently. It’s been used in China and Japan for thousands of years for mental alertness, digestive problems, headaches and weight loss. It may also lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Related article: The amazing health and beauty benefits of tea

OOLONG
The tea in your local Chinese restaurant is probably oolong. It may help maintain blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes as well as keep teeth and bones strong.

HONEY BUSH
This herbal tea is from the leaves of the honey bush plant, grown in the Eastern Cape in South Africa and a cousin to rooibos. It may help you to clear phlegm in the throat, lower blood sugar and give relief from menopausal symptoms.

BUCHU
Also from the Western Cape, buchu has been used as a herb for centuries. Its active chemicals may kill germs and promote urine flow, helping with urinary infections. Buchu can relieve nausea, indigestion and flatulence. The leaves are rich in rutin, which boosts circulation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with kidney or liver disease should avoid it.



CHAI
Black tea mixed with strong herbs and spices produce this Indian classic. Buy a powder, bags or make your own. Crush 4 cardamom seeds, 4 cloves and 2 black peppercorns. Pour 2 cups of water in a pot on the stove and add a 3cm slice of fresh ginger, 1 cinnamon stick and the spices. Bring to a boil, remove from heat add two teaspoons of black tea and steep. Strain into mugs after 10 minutes. For a chai latte, use milk instead of water.

CHICORY COFFEE
Chicory coffee is made by roasting and grinding the roots of the plant. It tastes much like coffee, but is caffeine-free and rich in inulin, which may aid in digestion and support a healthy gut. Brew it like regular coffee grounds. It may cause digestive problems for some and inulin can cause bloating and gas. Don’t drink it while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Related article: The biggest pros and cons about drinking coffee

CARDAMOM
You’ll find the seeds and bagged tea (often called elaichi) in Indian shops. It’s good for high blood pressure, the immune system, painful periods and indigestion. A few people are allergic to cardamom and you shouldn’t drink it if you have gallstones.



GOLDEN MILK
This mix of spices gets its colour and name from turmeric, which is good for the immune system, inflammation, blood sugar and your mood.

HOME-MADE HOT CACAO
Cacao powder is packed with flavonoids – good for blood pressure, blood flow to the brain and heart and preventing blood clots. It has magnesium which help muscles relax and fibre which benefits digestion.

Make it with real cacao powder (raw is even better). Mix two tablespoons of cacao powder, a pinch of salt and honey or sugar into 2 cups of milk. Heat until it simmers.

Related article: 7 healthy foods that taste just like your favourite treats