One of the best ways to lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight is to eat food that sustains your energy levels throughout the day. The following list gives you 7 common foods that have been chosen for their ability to provide the body with energy.
Some of the foods provide slow-releasing energy from healthy carbohydrates, which are the body's main energy source. Others contain a range of important vitamins and minerals involved in cellular energy production processes in the body.
Good quality protein sources are also included, as these are needed for maintaining body tissues, including muscle.
So, let's bite right into it with these top 7 foods for high energy!
1. Spinach
Spinach is high in iron, magnesium, and potassium. Iron transports oxygen around the body, needed for energy production. Magnesium plays a vital role in energy production, and together with potassium, is important for nerve and muscle function.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of complex carbohydrates, along with iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. Vitamin C is needed for transporting fats into the cells of the body for energy production.
3. Fruit
Fruits provide natural sugars, which are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream for an instant pick me up (but without the 'sugar crash' you get after eating refined sugars). Fruits are also high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
4. Green Tea
Green tea contains some caffeine for an energy boost, but without the 'jittery' side effects of stronger caffeine drinks, such as coffee. Furthermore, green tea may also help lower cholesterol.
5. Nuts
Nuts are energy-dense due to their high content of healthy fats. They are also high in vitamins and minerals. Soaking nuts in water overnight 'activates' them (starts the germination or sprouting process) increasing the nutrient value even more and making them easier to digest.
6. Seeds (Squash and Pumpkin Seeds)
Seeds are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and minerals involved in energy production - including manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Zinc is needed for the production of hormones in the body that affect energy and mood. It is also important for muscle recovery after exercise.
7. Water
Dehydration is one of the fastest ways to feel your physical and mental energy levels drop. Even mild dehydration of 1-2% can affect mood, energy levels, and ability to concentrate. Drink 8 glasses per day to keep your energy levels up.
Article shared from Daisy Whitbread at myfooddata.com, read the full version here.