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It's so easy to run out of energy. We lead busy, busy lives. We need to find time to work, unwind, sleep, and of course, do the things we love, like spending time with loved ones and exercising. All of these activities require energy that can be hard to come by. But we can get it naturally from certain superfoods.
Superfoods are known for their many health benefits, one of which is their ability to provide a natural energizing effect. Here are four popular superfoods that have this effect!
Almonds
Available in most supermarkets, almonds are actually a powerful superfood that can do wonders for boosting energy!
They transform sugar into energy. Studies have shown that almonds are among the most nutrient-dense foods, 1 and that they contain a lot of magnesium, which plays an essential role in transforming sugar into natural energy.
They regulate sleep . Almonds help you sleep well thanks to their high level of magnesium.
Goji berries
Perfect for adding a pop of color to your plate, these little berries are also delicious and excellent for your health! Red Goji berries are packed with antioxidants, which have been scientifically proven to have the following effects: 2
Strengthening the immune system : The antioxidants in goji berries are known for their ability to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and protect against free radicals, keeping you healthy and energized. 2
Blood sugar stabilization : Goji berries can help control how sugar is released into the blood. Studies show that they help balance insulin and glucose levels. 3 Since energy dips can be caused by a drop in blood sugar, maintaining stable blood sugar levels helps prevent these energy dips.
Improved sleep quality : Lack of sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, so it's important to get enough sleep to feel refreshed. But that's easier said than done. One study found that goji berries can improve sleep quality, resulting in increased energy levels, better concentration, and increased mental acuity. 4
Guarana
Native to the Amazon basin, this Brazilian plant appears as a black seed the size of a coffee bean, covered with a white skin and encased in a red shell. Once the seed is ground into powder and consumed, it offers a range of scientifically proven health benefits, classifying it as a superfood that provides a natural energy boost:
Fatigue reduction : Guarana is an excellent source of natural caffeine, which helps maintain mental energy and focus. Caffeine blocks the effects of adenosine, a compound that helps the brain relax. 5
Antioxidant intake : Just like goji berries, guarana is particularly rich in antioxidants, which boost your immune system and help you stay healthy.
Memory improvement : Studies conducted on the effects of guarana on memory have determined that it helps to strengthen concentration, be more attentive to tasks and complete them more quickly. 6
Chlorella
A variety of single-celled freshwater algae, chlorella is a powerful dietary supplement that studies have shown to have many naturally energizing health benefits:
It works as an antioxidant . Several compounds found in chlorella, including chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, are antioxidants, which help keep us healthy and at our best.
It can improve endurance. One study demonstrated the positive effects of chlorella on endurance, with a significant improvement in the lungs' ability to saturate with oxygen. 7 This phenomenon may be due to the branched-chain amino acid content of chlorella. Further research has indeed shown that this set of three amino acids can also improve performance. 8
Superfoods are aptly named. In addition to helping boost energy, they're also beneficial for your health. They offer anti-aging effects, regulate glucose, and strengthen immune function. And since they're delicious, adding them to your diet is a great way to immediately reap their health benefits.
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Ellis/publication/250058086_The_nutritional_and_health_benefits_of_almonds_a_healthy_food_choice/links/5850497108ae8f37381940b7/The-nutritional-and-health-benefits-of-almonds-a-healthy-food-choice.pdf [ ↩ ]
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322693#seven-scientifically-proven-benefits [ ↩ ] [ ↩ ]
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4475782/ [ ↩ ]
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18447631/ [ ↩ ]
- https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpregu.00386.2002 [ ↩ ]
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091305704002710 [ ↩ ]
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25320462/ [ ↩ ]
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21297567/ [ ↩ ]