Feeling tired? Eat these 12 superfoods to boost your energy levels
12/19/2019 / By Rose Lidell / Comments
Feeling tired? Eat these 12 superfoods to boost your energy levels

It’s normal to feel tired after a long day. But instead of reaching for your nth cup of joe, why not try these 12 superfoods that can naturally boost your energy levels?

Homeostasis and your energy levels

Homeostasis or body balance is the state that your body constantly tries to achieve. A body that is out of balance may experience various side effects, such as:

  • Asthma
  • Blood sugar conditions (insulin resistance)
  • Digestive malfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Fertility issues
  • High cortisol levels (stress)
  • Mood disorders
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Weight gain

If your body remains out of balance for a long time, you may eventually develop chronic diseases and hormonal imbalance. Having poor eating habits can make it difficult to maintain homeostasis, especially if you eat a lot of foods that contain harmful chemicals and various additives.

Antioxidants and your overall health

Some superfoods can help maintain homeostasis and boost your energy. They are also rich in beneficial antioxidants that help prevent infections and even slow down the aging process.

Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds in foods that can help fight the harmful effects of free radicals which are linked to various diseases.

Eating superfoods is also good for weight management because they promote the removal of toxins from your body and restore optimum pH levels. This helps balance your hormones and improve your metabolic performance.

A healthy metabolism is needed to have a constant supply of energy. One part of the metabolic process involves the breakdown and conversion of food into energy. This energy can fuel your cells and ensure that they can function optimally to maintain homeostasis.

Incorporate the superfoods listed below into your diet to support your metabolism and increase your energy levels. Besides providing you with antioxidants, these foods also bring plenty of other health benefits.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is great for improving digestion and promoting cellular cleansing. ACV can help clean your digestive tract and restore your alkaline levels for optimal hormonal balance.

Bee pollen

Research has found that bee pollen can restore balance to your endocrine system, which secretes hormones. Consuming bee pollen can help women manage PMS symptoms or address menstrual irregularity.

Protein-rich bee pollen contains phenylalanine, an essential amino acid that helps suppress the appetite. It also contains lecithin, which helps eliminate fat from your body. Bee pollen is good for detoxing and cleansing.

Cacao powder

Cacao contains theobromine, a mild stimulant that can help boost fat-burning and serotonin levels. Serotonin is the feel-good brain chemical that lets you feel pleasure and relaxation.

Studies suggest that cacao can help lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are full of calcium, iron, potassium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. These nutrients all take part in many vital cellular and bodily processes.

Omega-3 fatty acids promote good heart health by protecting it from disease. Vitamin B12 helps prevent a type of anemia that can make people feel tired and weak.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the brown bark of the cinnamon tree.

Consuming cinnamon daily helps stabilize your blood sugar levels. This, in turn, helps curb your cravings and hunger by slowing down digestion.

Research has also shown that cinnamon can lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol levels.

Coconut water

Coconut water is full of electrolytes, making it the perfect drink if you want to stay hydrated.

Coconut water helps balance your pH levels, promotes clearer skin and aids in detoxification.

According to studies, low-calorie coconut water can promote weight loss by keeping the body’s metabolic rate at an optimal level.

Goji berries

Goji berries contain essential fatty acids and B vitamins that you need for energy and stress release. They also contain antioxidants that can help prevent premature aging and improve your eye health.

In addition, goji berries can improve blood circulation and strengthen your immunity.

Kale

Kale contains potent antioxidants that help fight infection. This leafy green is also a natural detoxifier for your liver.

Kale is full of calcium, iron and vitamins C and K.

Lentils

Lentils are legumes rich in carbs and fiber. A cup of cooked lentils contains at least 40 grams of carbs and 16 grams of fiber.

The fiber content of lentils promotes slow stomach emptying and helps control your blood sugar levels. This makes you feel full longer and ensures steady energy levels.

Lentils also give you an energy boost by replenishing your stores of folate, iron, manganese and zinc. These nutrients are required for efficient energy production and nutrient breakdown.

Oat bran

Oat bran is full of fiber that can help lower your cholesterol levels.

Quinoa

A cup of protein-rich quinoa contains 5 grams of dietary fiber, 8 grams of protein, 39 grams of carbs and various vitamins and minerals.

Despite being rich in carbohydrates, quinoa has a low glycemic index. This means that when you consume quinoa, your body slowly absorbs the carbs in it for sustained energy release.

Quinoa provides over 20% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for manganese, magnesium and folate. Enzymes use these nutrients to produce energy.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners. Stevia contains no calories, so it won’t cause blood sugar spikes when consumed. This superfood can also help curb your cravings and assists in weight management.

Skip the junk food and snack on energy-boosting foods like kale and goji berries to fight fatigue.

Sources:

MindBodyGreen.com

ODS.OD.NIH.gov

Healthline.com

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