Turmeric milk, aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar: Try these morning drinks instead of coffee

Your morning coffee making you anxious all day? Studies suggest that drinking coffee on an empty stomach can disrupt your body’s cortisol levels, leading to anxiety and nervousness. As dietician Riya Desai notes, “This can take a toll on one’s mood and overall well-being throughout the day. One can be irritated, groggy, and frustrated.”

So if you're looking to switch up your morning routine and move away from coffee, there are plenty of healthier alternatives that can wake you up and boost your overall well-being.

Here are some natural drinks that can energize you while offering added benefits for your skin and digestive health. From turmeric milk to ginger tea, these alternatives provide both nourishment and a refreshing boost to your morning.

For healthy skin:

Turmeric milk (Haldi doodh)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• A pinch of black pepper
• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat the milk in a saucepan.
• Stir in the turmeric powder and black pepper.
• Sweeten with honey if desired.

Benefits: Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties reduce blemishes, even skin tone, and promote a healthy glow.

Aloe Vera Juice

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fresh aloe vera gel
• 1 cup water
• A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

• Blend aloe vera gel with water until smooth.
• Strain and add lemon juice if desired.

Benefits: Aloe vera hydrates and soothes the skin, reduces acne, and enhances skin elasticity for a natural glow.

Cucumber Mint Water

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• A few fresh mint leaves
• 1 litre water

Instructions:

• Combine cucumber slices and mint leaves in water.
• Let it infuse in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

Benefits: Cucumber and mint hydrate, detoxify, reduce puffiness, and soothe the skin.

For gut health

Warm lemon water

Ingredients:

• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 cup warm water

Instructions:

• Squeeze the lemon into a cup of warm water.
• Stir well and drink first thing in the morning.

Benefits: Lemon water helps stimulate digestive enzymes, supports liver function, and promotes a gentle cleanse of the digestive tract.

Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

• 1-2 inches fresh ginger root, sliced
• 1 cup water
• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

• Boil the ginger slices in water for 5-10 minutes.
• Strain and pour into a cup.
• Add honey if desired.

Benefits: Ginger tea aids digestion, reduces bloating, and has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the gut.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• A teaspoon of honey (optional)

Instructions:

• Mix the apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.
• Stir in honey if desired.

Benefits: Apple cider vinegar promotes digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports a healthy gut environment.

Starting your morning with these refreshing gut-cleansing drinks can be easier on your digestive system than your usual morning coffee. Each of these drinks offer unique benefits, from hydrating and detoxifying, to providing essential nutrients and promoting gut health. Give them a try today.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your health specialist for more information.