3 Natural Foods for Boosting Your Energy Throughout the Day
Nutritional imbalances start zapping our energy as we age. While there are many supplements that can help our bodies in various ways, simply adding a few key ingredients to our diets can be highly effective in slowing down the aging process.
GARLIC
One of the most universally known and loved spices, garlic is a vegetable from the allium family which also includes onions, leeks, and shallots. Garlic is said to have originated in Central and West Asia and came to China on the Silk Road. Since the days of the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), garlic has been said to contains warm yang energy, which was described by ancient texts as a creative, transformative force that keeps your mental and bodily functions going. Garlic’s medicinal uses have been used across the world for centuries; recent research shows that even trace amounts of garlic in food can relieve energy stagnation and promote healthy blood circulation.
Garlic also has powerful anti-aging properties. It contains compounds called allyl sulphides that have been studied for their ability to inhibit digestive tract cancers, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke.
ONIONS
Few foods have more intrinsic energy than onions, which have even been used as a source of renewable electricity! Food science research shows that the sulfuric compounds unique to onions stop biochemical chain formations and facilitate the melting of phlegm, inducing immediate vigor and energy. Like garlic, onions have been used for thousands of years in many food preparations, whether consumed raw, pickled, or fried.
Belonging to the same genus as garlic, onions also reduce LDL cholesterol as well as risk of cancer and heart disease. They are low in calories, and are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, iron, and potassium.
PINEAPPLES
Pineapples are one of the most nutrient-dense fruits widely available today. In fact, one cup
of pineapple alone provides over 40% of your daily value of vitamin C! It is also one of the few natural sources of manganese, which is especially important in energy production, antioxidant defenses, and building strong bones and connective tissues.
Pineapple has ben shown to help boost energy when you are feeling tired and sluggish. Rich in vitamin B6, pineapple helps stabilize the body’s blood sugar, and has many cofactor enzymes essential to energy production and immune defense.
WATER
Last but not least, drink more water. Our bodies are 60% water. Dehydration and fatigue go hand in hand. You hear the advice to ‘drink more water’, every day but exactly how do you get more water into your system? First of all, soda is not water. Alcohol is not water and will actually dehydrate you. So here are our top 5 tips for getting more water into your system for hydration, energy and all round better health.
- Keep a pitcher of flavored water – whether lime, basil, or cucumber – flavored water with ingredients from your refrigerator is actually easier to drink for many people and less expensive than buying it in the store.
- Opt for sparkling water over a soda from time to time. It will help you gradually cut some of the sugar while adding hydration.
- Drink a glass of water when you wake up. It’s a good way to start the day before you get going and find yourself too busy to keep drinking.
- Invest in a nice water bottle – sometimes carrying something that feels special will help you feel like drinking water is a treat. Anytime you drain your water bottle, just fill it up, again.
- There’s an app for that! Track it with an app on your phone. It sounds like a waste of time – but feels like an accomplishment whenever you hit your target glass.