We all like to kickstart with a tonic of our choice. The desire and craving for tea and coffee have been increasing so rampantly even when we know both the beverages can lead to some serious health complications. But how else do we kick-start our day? What could be the healthier alternative?

To start the day better, here are healthier options for tea/coffee.

1. Chicory coffee

Ingredients: –

2 tbsp Chicory root powder (Root needs to be cut, dried, and roasted before grinding it intoa coarse powder. Can be used in an espresso machine or filter coffee machine.)

• Jaggery powder (optional)
• Milk (as per taste)

Method: –

Add the filtered Chicory root in a glass, and add hot milk and Jaggery powder. And serve hot.

Benefits: –

This tea is much better than normal coffee as Chicory roots have more fiber and nutrients than normal coffee and also have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.

2. Lemon and Kokum juice

Ingredients: –

• 1 Lemon
• Honey (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• 2 tbsp Kokum (raw juice/sugar-free)

Method: –

Add Kokum juice to a bowl, and add lemon juice and water (about ¾ glass). Add salt or Honey as per taste.

Benefits: –

Kokum is naturally sweet, salty, and astringent. It is loaded with nutrients and vitamins like A, B3, C, B9 and minerals like Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Manganese, and Potassium. It also has a healthy number of fibbers and is the perfect start for the day. Lemon, as we all know very well is rich in Vitamin C and excellent for detoxifying and energizing the body.

3. Qahwa (Arabic tea):

Ingredients: –

• ½ tablespoon Green Coffee beans, lightly roasted and coarsely ground
• ½ tablespoon Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds, crushed
• 1 cup of Water
• 1/8 teaspoon saffron strands
• ½ teaspoon Rosewater optional

 Method: –

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. When it boils, add ground coffee. After 10 minutes of boiling, add cloves and crushed cardamom and stir once and boil for another 4 to 5 minutes. Now switch off the flame, cover, and let coffee grounds settle at the bottom for a minute. Do not stir at this time since the liquid needs to settle. Now add the rose water and saffron. Strain and pour the steaming coffee into the flask or teapot.

Benefits: –

This is an excellent energy drink that acts as a natural remedy for congestion, severe cold, even headaches, and migraine, and helps in reducing cholesterol. It aids in digestion, keeps the skin healthy, and rejuvenates you while speeding up the metabolism and burning calories. It is also proven to release stress and strengthen the immune system.

4. Pumpkin Apple Cider

Ingredients: –

• Pumpkin syrup:

½ cup pumpkin purée

¼ cup brown sugar

50 ml water

½ teaspoons pumpkin spice

½ teaspoon pumpkin spice extract

• Spiced cider: 

1 cups Apple cider

½ orange, sliced

5 cloves

1 cinnamon sticks

Method: –

In a saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, water, pumpkin spice, and pumpkin extract and bring to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens and becomes a syrup.In the meantime, stud the orange slices with the cloves and reserve.Transfer the syrup to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients, stirring to combine.Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until fragrant and warm. Remove the cinnamon, star anise, and orange slices and serve.

 Benefits: –

This drink backs in loads of fiber and vitamins. Cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against free radicals and cell damage, lowering your risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. With the goodness of both pumpkin and apple combined, this drink improves internal functions, aids weight loss, provides natural sugar to the body, and adds a refreshing boost to our day ahead.

5. Caramel Apple Cider

Ingredients: –

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1 1/2 tablespoons caramel sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method: –

Add apple cider and caramel sauce to a small saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. Stirring constantly, heat until the apple cider is hot and the caramel sauce has completely melted. Pour into a mug and serve warm.

Benefits: – 

It helps in promoting blood flow and filtration, which helps in boosting energy within the liver. Apple cider vinegar can aid in the removal of harmful toxins that tend to build up in an overwhelmed or unhealthy liver, enhancing the detoxification process of our body. It also improves blood sugar levels, provides relief from indigestion, and decreases the risks of heart diseases and cancer.

Namaste, Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Life