Tips&TricksSaffron tea: the invigorating coffee alternative perfect for your morning boost

Saffron tea: the invigorating coffee alternative perfect for your morning boost

Pour boiling water over it and drink before breakfast.
Pour boiling water over it and drink before breakfast.
Images source: © Adobe Stock | Rido

11:23 AM EST, January 27, 2024

Nothing wakes us up quite like coffee, often regarded as the foremost morning beverage around the globe. Its prompt in giving us an energy boost is primarily due to caffeine, a legal and stimulating psychoactive substance. A few minutes after consuming it, we feel revitalized and poised to tackle our daily tasks.

Yet, routine consumption of coffee on an empty stomach has associated risks. Coffee possesses acidic properties. If consumed immediately after waking up, it raises the level of stomach acid, possibly leading to hyperacidity or gastroesophageal reflux. If you're thinking of alternatives to coffee, we offer some explanations herein.

Saffron - a more stimulating option than caffeine

Belonging to the Iridaceae family, saffron is an herb that grows exclusively in warm and dry climates. It is the most expensive and concurrently the oldest spice globally, widely used in cooking and alternative medicine. Its distinguished unique, noble taste has found its way primarily into Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.

This valuable spice possesses numerous health-promoting properties. Saffron threads aid in digestion, have anti-atherosclerotic, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects, and promote sexual functions, thanks to it being one of the oldest known aphrodisiacs.

Saffron tea is as invigorating as caffeine and can easily replace coffee as a morning stimulant. Consumed on an empty stomach, it provides copious energy and valuable nutrients. Nutritionists recommend it as a first beverage soon after waking up.

How to prepare saffron tea

Preparing saffron tea is quite straightforward. In addition to saffron threads, you will need a Ceylon cinnamon stick and cardamom. The blend of these three spices instantly warms your body from within. For the beverage, you require five saffron threads, one-third of a cinnamon stick, and two cardamom pods. Combine all the spices in a pot and add a cup of water. Boil for 5 minutes, remove the spices and pour the tea into a cup. Consume just before breakfast, once it has cooled slightly. This tea will stimulate you more than coffee.

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