Do you really need Caffeine? Try this instead!

WHAT IS CAFFEINE?

Ever rushed for a deadline and needed something to keep ourselves awake? Many people in this situation would consume caffeinated products! Caffeine is a natural stimulant that helps keep one awake and alert by stimulating the brain and central nervous system. It is naturally found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao plants, and is also processed and added to energy drinks or supplements.

BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF CONSUMING CAFFEINE

Consuming caffeine has its benefits. Firstly, it helps the brain increase dopamine production, which boosts mood and helps prevent depressive thoughts, as well as noradrenaline, which keeps us more energised and alert. However, it also blocks adenosine, the brain chemical that makes us feel exhausted. With increased alertness and decreased exhaustion, we may feel more anxious and jittery.

Secondly, students and working adults often consume coffee or energy drinks to stay awake and focused. However, caffeine consumption makes it difficult for us to fall asleep, leading to less sleep. In the end, it leads to a cycle as we start to feel tired again, consume caffeine to stay awake, and have trouble falling asleep. Over time, it could lead us to develop insomnia, which could lead to other health conditions.

ALTERNATIVES TO CAFFEINE

Hence, we should consume alternatives that give the benefits, but lessen the caffeine content:

- Yerba mate, a herbal tea from South Africa that helps with weight loss and lowers blood cholesterol. 

- Chicory root has high fibre inulin content and lacks caffeine. 

- Kombucha improves our immune system, helps with cholesterol and blood glucose levels, while containing a low amount of caffeine. 

In conclusion, caffeine has its benefits but also drawbacks that could be harmful to us. Hence, we should consider low-caffeine options and consume them wisely.

Written by: Sherlyn

01/2026

References

Cdces, N. O. M. R. L. (2023, February 23). Energy-boosting coffee alternatives: What to know - Harvard Health. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/energy-boosting-coffee-alternatives-what-to-know-202302222893

MedPark Hospital. (2025, October 14). Caffeine: benefits, side effects, daily dosage. https://www.medparkhospital.com/zh-CN/lifestyles/caffeine

Rd, A. P. M. (2023, May 18). What is caffeine, and is it good or bad for health? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-caffeine#safety-side-effects

Rdn, M. M. M. (2025, February 19). 9 Alternatives to Coffee (And Why You Should Try Them). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-alternatives

Spritzler, F. (2025, January 13). 9 Side effects of too much caffeine. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects#takeaway