Returning to routines after the weekend or vacation is not easy and the most normal is to feel deconcentrated, more sleepy when you wake up and without energy. And here comes the "trap" of coffee. We know that coffee has benefits, such as antioxidant and neuroprotective abilities, but it is a problem when we exaggerate and depend on caffeine to work, entering a vicious circle. Even though taking many cafes is not synonymous with stable and lasting energy, you knew?

These are ours Natural Alternatives to feel more awakened and focused throughout the day. 

But first ... what happens in the body when we drink coffee?

Coffee stimulates neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine. THE Brain sends a message to the Pituary Gland, which in turn releases a hormone that asks the adrenal glands that produce the so -called stress hormones - A adrenaline and the cortisol, the same freed by the body when we are in imminent danger mode.

Dopamine affects our concentration levels by blocking adenosine recetors, which tell our body when it is supposed to slow and rest, for example to bedtime. Adrenaline activates our mode Fight or Flight - affects our sympathetic nervous system And that is why We feel the heart rate accelerate. More blood comes to our muscles and the liver is commanded to release sugar in the bloodstream (process known as glycogenolysis) to have more energy to face the supposed danger.

This peak energy we feel with coffee is temporary. Slowly, the body returns to its previous state or a state of greater tiredness, and we feel the need to have another coffee to compensate. And so on ...

Should I stop having coffee?

It depends. The advice is to listen to your body and realize the effects that caffeine has in itself. How do you feel shortly after drinking it and a few hours later?

The gene that metabolizes caffeine in the liver is the CYP1A2, Same as metabolizes estrogen. It is estimated that half of the population has a variant of the gene - are the so -called Slow Metabolizers. What happens is that The liver uses more resources to expel caffeine, What can cause some adverse effects - Anxiety, tremors and even too much to the bathroom. These sensations are a reflection of increases in cortisol and insulin levels, that end up being a inflammation. They can last up to 24 hours, so affecting sleep, so the next day we may need to continue to have coffee so that we stay awake.

It is also very different to quietly drink a cup of quality, biological and fair trade, than drinking three or four conventional expresses a day, without even thinking if it really makes sense one more. Intensive coffee production, in addition to negatively affecting ecosystems and economies, is also very susceptible to mycotoxins development. 

Medicinal plants and stimulating adaptogens

There are plants that not only give us more energy, but also bring us other benefits at the hormonal, metabolic or immune level, without the crash caffeine. It is a more holistic way to face a drink that simply makes us wake up. 

FOCUS MIXING, with Matcha and Ashwagandha

This powder mixture is ideal to start the day, just add 1 teaspoon to your favorite milk, a beaten or recipe. It is a mixture of energizing plants, such as matcha, Ashwagandha and Hericium (Mushroom), capable of Raise concentration, humor and energy gradually and lasting. 

Super Woman Capsules

This is another way of feeling More energy and good humor, control anxiety and stress, and even support the hormonal system. To the Super Woman Capsules They are a natural and bioavailable supplement, perfect for those who do not have time to prepare a drink or even like the taste. Just take two capsules every day, in the morning, for at least 3 months. With adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Tulsi, they were designed to support the body to manage stress peaks, regulate cortisol levels and Prevent chronic fatigue. 

Super Female Protein

If you are a fan of beaten, nothing like starting this new season adding a new ingredient. THE Super Female Protein It is a bioavailable vegetable protein mixture (hemp, pumpkin, chia and pea), for more energy and satiety early in the morning. Contains one good dose of green and fiber, in plants like chlorine, spirulina or length, Which improve the digestive operationbesides being highly nutritious. Contain adaptogenous as Ashwagandha, Tulsi and Shatavari, capable of regulate the nervous system, giving you More energy and good humor, and reducing stress and anxiety. You can see recipe ideas here.

Matcha

Yes, matcha also has caffeine, but also It has a phytonutrient called L-Teanine, which makes caffeine stored in the body and is released much more slowly. That is, it keeps the body energized for longer, without causing that break that coffee gives us. In addition, the matcha is a rich source of chlorophyll and therefore has a detoxifying effect. Also contains iron, calcium, potassium and vitamins A and C, the latter allied antioxidants of healthy skin.

Can take it pure or with vegetable milk - the so -called Matcha Latte (You can see recipe here). It has a particular flavor and may not like it when it tries the first time, so we suggested it up there FOCUS MIXING, where the flavor of matcha is combined with other plants, or even the Protein Creativity, If you prefer to enjoy the benefits of Matcha in a protein supplement, ideal for energizing breakfasts!

Mucun

This adaptogen originating from India It has an amino acid that turns into dopamine, the hormone of happiness. Therefore, the mucuna, besides giving us energy, also regulates the nervous system and improves mood. You can use 1 teaspoon a day, in drinks or other recipes.

Litter

This adaptogen comes from a root of the cruciferous family, originating from Peru. Has essential minerals, as potassium and calcium, vitamins of B complex, like niacin (B3), and is also rich in iron. It is used for its natural energizing functions, and also stimulate libido and humor. You can take 1 to 3 teaspoons a day, in drinks or other recipes.

Ashwagandha

This powerful adaptogen is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its numerous benefits. Beyond stimulate focus and concentration, stimulates the immune system and balances nervous and hormonal systems. You can take 1/2 to 2 teaspoons per day, in drinks or other recipes.

See Matcha Latte's recipe here or the video of how a traditional matcha here.