Caffeine Free Alternatives to Tea & Coffee

So, the clocks have gone back, the days are becoming shorter and the cold, wet UK weather is now upon us *booooo*

Rather than reaching for a cup of coffee, riddled with caffeine and calories, why not consider caffeine free Herbal / Fruit teas to keep you warm during these colder winter months whilst also using them as an additional way to reach your daily water consumption of drinking 2litres a day * if you are like me and dislike plain water, this can be a welcome change *

I am a religious drinker of Herbal teas such as Green Tea, Chamomile and Rooibos to name a few. They all provide antioxidants that protect your body from harmful agents called free radicals.

Green Tea provides a host of health benefits and is known to lower cholesterol, speeds up your metabolism, reduces the risk cancer, is rich in antioxidants and lowers blood pressure levels whilst preventing and fighting tooth decay.

Chamomile tea is well known for relaxing the nerves. Recent studies here in England have proven that Chamomile tea also boosts the immune system and fight infections associated with colds, relieves muscle spasms and menstrual cramps in women  and soothes the stomach.

Rooibos Tea *aka Red Bush* is also very rich in antioxidants and has no trace of additives, preservatives or colorants making it one of the most material and purest form of teas available. Rooibos tea contains Zinc which provides healthy skin and Magnesium which is necessary for a healthy immune system.

There are also many brands of caffeine free Fruit Teas available in the tea aisle of our local supermarket which an array of different flavours to tickle your fancy such as Strawberry and Mango, Spiced Apple and Cinnamon, Lemon and Ginger, Pomegranate, Forest Fruits and Cranberry and Orange to name a few.

All of the above teas mentioned should be made with hot water only. Should you feel the need to add a little sweetness to your cuppa, add one teaspoon of pure honey or 100% maple syrup *fewer calories than a teaspoon of sugar*

Happy Drinking ladies and gents! 🙂