Did you know that a safe, effective alternative for alcohol exists? Well it does! It’s called kava. With kava, you can achieve the same calming, euphoric effects of alcohol without all the negatives. How are they any different?
Here are 7 reasons why kava is better than booze:
1. Relaxation
After a long and stressful day, nothing sounds better than relaxing. People often turn to alcohol to relieve stress, and a lot of the time it can lead to a fuzzy, unpleasant morning. Did you know that kava provides the same amount of relaxation as that cocktail without the negative side effects? Kava contains kavalactones, which affect the same pathways in the brain as certain anti-anxiety prescription drugs, promoting sociability while lowering anxiety [1].
2. Mental Impairment
Possibly one of the worst effects of alcohol is mental impairment. Kava doesn’t impact mental clarity. You can drink a cup of kava and feel as relaxed as if you just drank a glass of wine, while staying mentally sharp as you drink.
3. Addiction
Unfortunately, in some circumstances alcohol consumption can cause addiction. One way to overcome the addictive qualities of alcohol is to drink kava instead. A study revealed that daily kava drinkers showed no signs of addiction or side effects over a 24-week period [2].
4. Pain Relief
It is believed that alcohol relieves pain by blocking receptors in the brain, which only provides a short-term effect. Unlike alcohol, kava actually contains two natural pain relievers: dihydrokavain and dihydromethysticin [2]. This is why your mouth may feel numb when drinking kava. Not only do these compounds relieve pain when consumed, but they can also relieve pain when made into a muscle rub. Making a kava paste and mixing it with oil creates a rub that can ease those sore muscles.
5. Sleep
Whereas alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling groggy, Kava may help you achiever a better, sounder sleep. Kava studies have shown that it influences GABA and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that promote relaxation [2].
6. Happiness
Another reason that people drink alcohol is to improve their overall happiness. But with alcohol, it’s one drink too many and that happiness is gone. Kava, on the other hand, contains active constituents that have been comparable to antidepressants, like Xanax and Valium. Kava may help improve social and general anxiety disorders without the limits associated with alcohol.
7. Calories
Another pleasant benefit of kava over alcohol is the calorie count. Kava contains 0-30 calories per tablespoon, depending on how it is prepared, while a typical 12 oz. light beer is around 100 calories [3], and a single shot of 80-proof vodka contains 97 calories [4]. That’s almost 100 calories for just one shot or one beer! And let’s be honest, it’s not usually just one. That’s why kava’s calming properties and low calorie count make it a much healthier choice compared to the typical alcoholic beverage.
These are just some of the reasons why we feel like kava is a better choice than alcohol. New kava drinkers may find the taste to be earthy and bitter. If you find yourself reluctant to drink kava straight, try substituting kava for alcohol in your favorite cocktail!
Start your Kava journey here: Buy Kava
Have you replaced alcohol with Kava yet? Share your Kava experiences with us in the comments below.
2) https://blog.bulletproof.com/hack-your-anxiety-and-muscles-with-kava/
4) http://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/vodka- calories#overview1
7 comments
Kava is awesome!
Kava is a tradtional in my island. We grew up drinking kava. My son is an american and the loves kava. It works really good
I’m pretty new to Kava but so far have been amazed by all of its benefits. I have reduced my alcohol intake and found that I sleep well and don’t feel "off’ in the morning. If anything, I feel more relaxed and cheerful. If you haven’t tried Kava, I suggest you try it at least once. Just like your first shot of alcohol, you might not care for the taste of Kava but just like alcohol you aren’t doing it for the taste!