Ditch that coffee, tea: 8 healthy drinks to have in the morning

Hot water with lemon  Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and provide energy while ACV has a detoxifying effect on your digestive system when there’s no food in the stomach.

Herbal teas Herbal teas as opposed to traditional teas contain a lesser amount of caffeine. You can try chamomile, peppermint, or ginger teas. This helps calm the mind and body, while also boosting hydration and flavour.

Alkalising drinks You can make these based on what you need most. For example, a drink made of turmeric, lemon and Himalayan pink salt has anti-inflammatory benefits while lemongrass, mint and fresh ginger together have great antioxidant properties.

Chicory coffee Chicory root can be roasted, ground and brewed into a delicious hot beverage. It tastes very similar to coffee but is caffeine-free. It also contains inulin, the soluble fibre that helps in digestion.

Matcha tea  Matcha is made by drying and grinding the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant into a fine powder. It is high in antioxidants and may reduce cell damage and prevent chronic disease.

Golden milk This warm beverage incorporates invigorating spices such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and black pepper along with cardamom, vanilla and honey. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties due to the chemical curcumin present in it. 

Chai tea  This is a black tea blended with strong herbs and spices. As compared to coffee, this helps to improve mental alertness. Besides its potential health benefits, chai tea has a robust flavour and comforting smell.

Yerba mate This traditional South American drink makes a great coffee alternative as it contains less caffeine. It also contains trace amounts of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and iron.

Keep your lungs healthy with these 8 beverages