The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

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In the bustling world of academia, students usually find themselves in a never-ending battle against time. The quest to meet deadlines, tackle assignments, and absorb mountains of information can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Eventually, many students turn to a reliable companion in their daily routine: coffee. It’s a warm embrace during late-night study sessions, the morning catalyst before that dreaded 8 AM lecture, and the social lubricant that fuels countless coffee shop gatherings. Coffee might seem like a heavenly creation, but what starts as an innocent caffeine boost can quickly morph into a daily ritual and, for some, an unhealthy dependency. So, grab your favourite mug, and let’s embark on a journey to explore healthy alternatives to your coffee addiction.

Matcha

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Matcha is one of the most favoured drinks in coffee shops among health promoters. It’s made from powdered green tea leaves that can be served hot or iced, and just like coffee, it contains caffeine, only in a smaller and healthier amount. Matcha will boost your energy for the hectic day ahead, and unlike coffee, it is less prone to cause jitters. It also contains the amino acid theanine, which may help reduce the daily anxiety and stress students experience. You can find a delicious cup of matcha at tons of coffee shops in Cairo, including Brown Nose and Cult, or you can order matcha powder from Ole, Gourmet, or Zumra and make your own at home.

Hot Chocolate

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 Another preferable coffee alternative is hot chocolate. It’s probably the closest you can get to coffee with its dark brown liquid and aromatic smell. Like coffee, you could drink it black or add milk to it; you could also serve it hot or iced. Cocoa beans are the dried seeds of the fruit of the cacao tree and are known to improve health and memory. It’s a lightly caffeinated drink with some health benefits and is an excellent alternative for your late study nights! Grab a cup of warm chocolatey goodness from Dunkin Donuts, Breadfast, House of Cocoa, and more.

Mixed-Berry Smoothie

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Want something more fun and sugary? Try drinking a smoothie with a mixture of dark-coloured berries like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. This exciting mix is also full of vitamins and minerals, making it the perfect energy drink to stay fit. Mixed-berry smoothies contain antioxidants that may improve heart and skin health, enhance brain functionality, manage weight, and boost immunity and digestive health. For multitaskers, this drink could help in paying better attention to detail and switching between tasks. Check out a list of our favourite smoothie spots in Cairo here.

Green Tea

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The most known coffee alternative is green tea, which contains caffeine but typically less than coffee. It also has L-theanine, an amino acid that can promote alertness and concentration without the jitters. It might be too bitter for some, so you could add some sugar or honey to make it sweeter. If you don’t enjoy a hot cup of tea, you could make a lovely iced tea and top it with a lemon slice for the perfect bittersweet combination.

  Kombucha

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Kombucha, aka the elixir of life, is a fermented tea beverage that has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits and unique, fizzy taste. This drink contains a small amount of caffeine but makes up for it in other areas. Kombucha is known for its digestive benefits and aids in boosting metabolism, making it helpful for weight loss. This tangy, effervescent drink is underrated in the world of beverages; however, it is slowly but surely trending among health advocates. You can buy some from Kombucha Egypt.