Five Coffee Replacements for Energy and Focus

Many people begin their love affair with coffee while in college or university. With late nights, long study hours, exams, homework and a social life, coffee is the fuel that keeps college students focused, energized and alert. This trend can graduate with you into the workplace and continue for years. However, most people don't realize that the caffeine boost they crave can have some very negative ramifications to their health. Caffeine addiction is the most prevalent type of addiction in the world, and recent research has shown that long-term caffeine use can actually have a negative effect on memory and learning. Caffeine can also cause withdrawal symptoms even after limited use, and the last thing a busy person needs is a massive migraine while studying, working or socializing. Fortunately, there are several coffee substitutes that improve focus, energy, memory and mental performance while promoting good health. Check out these five coffee replacements:

Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 has been found to be essential for brain and nervous system function and is also known for helping mental clarity and performance. Scientific research has concluded that B12 has energy enhancing properties to naturally raise energy levels. Most energy drinks contain Vitamin B12, although most of the energy derived from consuming these drinks is from caffeine and sugar. B12 is also important for melatonin production, which is responsible for regulating your sleep patterns, meaning it can keep you awake and alert during the day, but not disrupt your sleep at night.

Ginkgo Biloba:
Ginkgo Biloba is a herbal extract derived from the nut of a ginkgo biloba tree. It is a great coffee replacement because it increases blood flow to the brain and extremities, mimicking the effects of exercise on the body. Research has shown that ginkgo biloba also produces cognitive benefits, including increasing focus and improving memory.

Ginseng:
Ginseng is extracted from the ginseng root, and similar to ginkgo biloba, has been shown to effectively increase blood flow and act as a stimulant. Also a common ingredient in energy drinks, ginseng is known for improving mental alertness and energy, making it a prime supplement as a coffee substitute.

Teeccino and Cafix:
While these might actually be brand names, they are both herbal coffee-like drinks that do not contain any caffeine, meant to help people with caffeine and coffee addictions gradually kick the habit. These coffee replacements are made from grains, figs, beetroot and chicory, and taste similar to coffee, although without the caffeine or stimulating effects.

Go Jogging/Swimming:
Research has shown that cardio exercise in the morning is a very effective method to boost energy and focus. Many studies have shown that regular exercise, even light exercise, is more effective than caffeine to improve your energy and concentration. Swimming is particularly good, because it is a complete full-body workout without being hard on your joints and muscles.

Caffeine addiction can be hard to overcome. Caffeine withdrawal can cause terrible headaches, brain fog, and will leave you fatigued and grumpy. Plus, drinking coffees sweetened with cream and sugar all day will add hundreds of extra calories to your daily diet, which in turn will make you more tired and more stressed. While these five coffee replacements are easy to switch to and readily available, many people are also taking herbal cognitive supplements to help improve their mental performance. Good quality cognitive supplements are usually caffeine-free and contain ingredients such as Vitamin B12 and Ginkgo Biloba, as well as Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Taurine and Folic Acid, all naturally-occurring substances that are known to enhance focus, increase energy and enhance memory. Cognitive supplements are also great because they contain no calories, eliminating a major energy-draining source from the start. Before your next cup of coffee, consider switching to one of these coffee replacements for heightened energy and alertness.