Cutting Back On Caffeine Without Compromising On Taste

Our fondness for drinking caffeinated beverages, both hot and cold, to keep us alert and on the go throughout the day can become problematic. Returning to the percolator or automatic drip coffeemaker for a second, third, or fourth cup of coffee can cause irritability, nervousness, anxiety, tremors, and sleeplessness. That mid-morning “pick-me-up” 12-ounce caffeinated soft drink, if exceeded, can cause the same negative side effects associated with overindulging in coffee. So too can steeping too many tea bags in one sitting.

The scientific community has accumulated hundreds of thousands of pages of research documenting possible adverse reactions that excessive caffeine consumption may have on the human body. Some research indicates that overindulging in caffeinated beverages may raise the risk of heart attack, peptic ulcer disease and fibrocystic breast disease. Concerns towards caffeine’s effect on the unborn fetus has prompted warnings from obstetricians to pregnant women against drinking too many caffeinated beverages, which doctor’s believe increases the risks for spontaneous abortion and premature delivery, during their pregnancy.

Keeping dietary caffeine intake at a safe level can be easily achieved without having to stop drinking caffeinated beverages altogether thanks to the numerous brands of decaffeinated beverage products available on the market. A reasonable alternative to overloading on caffeine would be to have the full strength jolt when you most need it then substitute with decaffeinated choices when you are craving the great taste of your favorite soft drink, coffee or tea blend. As the adage goes, “moderation is the key.”

Lowering caffeine intake by substituting decaffeinated coffee beans or instant crystals sounds simple but for those who truly enjoy the full flavor of a steaming cup of java the truth is much different. Decaffeinated coffee blends don’t always meet the high standard of taste set by their caffeinated siblings. Adding a few drops of vanilla, hazelnut or other flavoring to the pot before brewing is one way to make decaffeinated coffee come alive.

For avid tea drinkers, there are many herbal and decaffeinated tea blends available at most grocery stores. Herbal teas, which are slightly more expensive than decaffeinated, come in a variety of flavors such as chamomile, lemon-honey and orange. Adding a cinnamon stick, few pods of cardamom or a few cloves to decaffeinated tea produces a nice taste and costs less then herbal teas.

For starting the day off with a bit less caffeine in your system a mug of home prepared cappuccino mix or a cup of ginger breakfast tea are ideal solutions guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

Cappuccino Mix

Ingredients

• 1 cup instant coffee creamer
• 1 cup instant chocolate drink mix
• ⅔ cup instant decaffeinated coffee crystals,
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Method

1. Combine creamer, drink mix, coffee crystals, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, and mix well.
2. Store in airtight container.
3. When ready to serve, place 2-3 teaspoons mix in mug and add boiling water.

Ginger Breakfast Tea

1. Fill teapot with boiling water and let sit.
2. Meanwhile, boil a second pot of water for making tea.
3. To boiled water add a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, trimmed of skin, 2-3 decaffeinated tea bags.
4. Let steep.
5. Serve with condensed milk.