Food. It’s amazing that something as simple as food helps keep us alive. It is no surprise that the food we eat plays a major role in our health. It can either help us live longer or cause our downfall especially to our health.
Moreover, the food we eat is essentially important when it comes to fueling our energy. We need energy to help us get through the day especially with our fast-paced life and work. Unfortunately, our energy can eventually become used up at some point during the day. This is when we start to lose focus and become unproductive. That is why we eat to replenish them.
Normally, most of us would opt for a cup of java because of its delectable aroma and mind-awakening effects. However, there are other foods aside from coffee that can raise our energy levels while keeping us healthy at the same time. Not only that, these type of foods can also boost our concentration and alertness to maintain optimal productivity.
Below are top ten foods to consume besides coffee that can help boost your energy levels:
- Bananas
These delectable fruits are one of the foods that top the list of energy-supplying foods because of their contents. Bananas are rich in calcium, carbohydrates as well as Vitamin B6. These properties are what the body needs to boost energy levels. It’s no wonder that bananas are the go-to fruits for athletes and people active in sports.
The good thing about bananas is that they can be taken just as they are or you can add other ingredients to spice up to make a delightful sweet and healthy treat.
- Dark Chocolate
This is good news for people who just love chocolates. Not only dark chocolates can lessen symptoms of insulin-related diseases like diabetes, it can also help raise energy levels.
Unlike its milk chocolate counterparts, dark chocolate contain high amounts of cocoa. Cocoa is a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help in stimulating our body’s blood flow and it helps wards off foreign invaders that tend to do damage to our body.
Eating a piece of dark chocolate before doing your daily task is enough to deliver sufficient amounts of oxygen and distribute it throughout our body.
Of course, it is important to check that you have selected high quality dark chocolates to gain the maximum benefits contained in their ingredients.
- Almonds
Almonds make the perfect snack especially if you’re trying to raise your energy levels while maintaining a healthy body weight. Just like cashews and walnuts, almonds contain enough calories and is abundant in healthy carbs, proteins and fats.
Moreover, almonds also contain high amounts of essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. These fatty acids not only reduces inflammation and provides antioxidant protection, they can also boost our level of energy.
- Fresh Eggs
A popular food cooked for breakfast, eggs are not only delicious, but also have the ability to supply energy to our bodies for the day.
It is because eggs, especially DHA fortified eggs, are rich in protein. They contain enough protein required by our body without spiking your blood sugar and compromising your insulin.
Moreover, eggs also contain high amounts of amino acids called leucine. Leucine is known to promote energy increase because of its ability to make cells absorb more blood sugar. Thus, it increases energy in our cells while breaking down more fat.
Eggs also contain B vitamins and they’re responsible for breaking down our food and convert it to energy.
- Salmon
This fatty fish is a rich source of protein, B vitamins as well as fatty acids essential for our energy supply. Eating salmon is enough for your daily recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin B12.
Several studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids lessen the inflammation in our body which usually causes lethargy.
Additionally, vitamin B12 is necessary to produce red blood cells with folic acid. This then boost the productivity of iron in the body and increase energy while lowering fatigue.
- Water
We all know that drinking water is essential for our survival and optimal health. It is because our body is made of water and it is important to replenish the ones we lose through urine. Without water, our organs will eventually shut down due to dehydration and we start to feel tired and sluggish.
To add energy to our body, we need to drink sufficient amount of water daily even if we’re not feeling thirsty.
- Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also a healthy option if you’re looking for an energy boost.
This root vegetable contains all the essential ingredients for our health including fiber, carbohydrates, manganese and vitamin A.
With its rich source of fiber and healthy carbohydrates, sweet potatoes are digested slowly by your body making you feel full longer and more energized.
- Yogurt
Yogurt is a great choice for your midday snack. It not only boost energy levels but also contains probiotics. Probiotics are important to maintain a healthy gut flora as they reduce inflammation in our body.
Moreover, yogurt contains healthy carbs such as galactose and lactose. Once these carbs break down, their sugars are ready to fuel our energy.
- Lentils
Lentils are not only affordable source of protein, but it is packed with essential nutrients to support our body’s energy boost.
These legumes are good sources of fiber which makes stomach emptying slower and regulated to blood sugar increase.
Lentils also contain healthy carbohydrates for sufficient energy supply to the body. Moreover, our energy levels can be further increased by refueling our body’s store of manganese, zinc, iron, and folate in lentils.
- Green Tea
This herbal tea has long been used in many folk remedies because of its lengthy health benefits.
One of its well-known ingredient in supporting our health is the antioxidant. These antioxidants help in preventing our bodies from oxidative stress as well as reducing inflammation.
Just like coffee, green tea also contains caffeine. Caffeine is known for boosting energy levels. Moreover, green tea also has a compound known as L-theanine. L-theanine is known to control the effects of caffeine such as jitters and anxiety.
Conclusion
Coffee is a good energy boosting beverage to keep us awake and alert. However, too much can also do damaging effects to the health. That’s why it is important to know that there are other foods which can help maintain your concentration and keep you energized throughout the day.
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