9 Healthy Hot Drinks That Can Help Replace Coffee

Coffee is a must-have morning drink, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for something gentler, several healthy, unsweetened hot drinks, like herbal teas, lemon water, or turmeric milk, are great alternatives to coffee.

1. Golden Turmeric Milk

To start the morning gently, consider swapping your coffee for golden turmeric milk. Golden Turmeric Milk is made from milk, turmeric, ginger and mild spices like cinnamon.

Turmeric is a popular spice that contains the antioxidant compound curcumin. A diet rich in antioxidants can help prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation. The ginger and cinnamon in this hot drink also contain antioxidants.

Golden turmeric milk may also benefit people suffering from chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. A review found that taking curcumin or turmeric extract regularly can reduce pain and inflammation in people with arthritis. Ginger may have similar benefits.

To make golden turmeric milk at home, choose your favorite milk or milk alternative and heat it until it begins to simmer. Then stir in the turmeric and other spices until well combined.

2. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is an energizing, caffeine-free way to start the day. Peppermint has several benefits, including relieving stomach upset due to:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Cramps
• Indigestion

Just smelling peppermint oil can relieve nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy.

3. Ginger tea

Ginger is a warming spice rich in antioxidants. Starting your day with hot ginger tea can relieve upset stomach and heartburn.

Over time, regular consumption of ginger may help improve heart health by reducing blood pressure, improving blood circulation, and lowering cholesterol levels.

Consider adding ginger tea to your morning routine for a gentle start to the day.

4. Green tea

For a significant energy boost with a small amount of caffeine, try starting your day with green tea. This light-colored tea is an excellent source of antioxidants. It contains catechins, which can improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. Drinking green tea daily is a proven way to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Matcha is a type of green tea made by grinding dried leaves into a fine powder and consuming the whole leaf. It provides a higher concentration of antioxidants than green tea obtained from a brewed tea bag. Drinking matcha tea may reduce your risk of high blood pressure (hypertension).

5. Hot lemon water

Hot lemon water is made from hot water and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It is a calming drink that offers several possible health benefits.

Drinking warm water in the morning can support healthy digestion and prevent constipation. It can also help relieve stomach upset caused by bloating and gas.

To make hot lemon water, heat a cup of water until it is simmering, then squeeze in a lemon wedge.

6. Bone Broth

Hot bone broth is a flavorful drink that can reduce inflammation and support gut health. It is made from animal bones boiled with spices. Bone broth is a rich source of collagen, essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair and bones.

7. Chai Tea

For a sweet and spicy start to the day, try incorporating chai tea into your morning routine. Chai tea is made from black tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and other spices. It is a creamy tea made with lukewarm water and milk.

The spices in chai tea have several potential health benefits. Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol levels. Drinking black tea is associated with lower cholesterol levels and better heart health.

8. Warm apple cider vinegar drink

For a tangy drink that might improve your blood sugar and insulin levels, try a hot apple cider vinegar drink. Apple cider vinegar is made from apples fermented using yeast and bacteria. It contains acetic acid, which reduces blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity.

To make your own apple cider vinegar drink, mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with eight ounces of warm water. Never drink apple cider vinegar without first diluting it, as the acidity can damage your tooth enamel and even burn your throat.

9. Hot chocolate

Hot chocolate may not seem like a healthy alternative to coffee, but you can swap ingredients to cut down on sugar and extra calories. Instead of buying the store-bought varieties, make your own hot chocolate with skim or almond milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a healthier sweetener like stevia.

Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants like flavonols, which reduce inflammation and improve heart health. They can also improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure.