Moringa oleifera, ideally known as the ben tree, drumstick tree or horseradish tree is a small tree found in Pakistan, Nepal and India and one that has been used in the Eastern countries for generations to treat and prevent illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, anemia, digestive, skin and respiratory disorders.
Processed animal body fluids, preservatives, lots and lots of processed sugar… These are just some of the things you subject your body to when you turn to an energy drink to give you that much-needed jolt of energy to get you through the day. Not to mention, the mere process of having an energy drink produced, packaged, and shipped undoubtedly has a rather concerning impact on the environment, but energy drinks with all their caffeine and sugar aren’t the best way to go about boosting your energy levels. There are many safe and healthy ways to give your energy levels the required boost to get your concentration levels back up or to just dig deep to navigate through the rest of the work. While many of these may not exactly fall under the typical category of “healthy foods,” if consumed in moderation for the sole purpose of boosting energy levels, these foods are as healthy as food comes. A delicious tofu (or yogurt) and banana smoothie definitely won’t cause your doctor to form a disapproving crease on their forehead for instance, but it’s just one delicious, healthy, and safe way to give yourself an energy boost.
It is important to note, however, that low energy levels can be caused due to underlying health issues as well. Energy levels can dip due to nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, obesity, and more. For instance, hormonal imbalance in men is a big source of low energy levels. If this is the case with you, consuming snacks that are a high source of energy might not be enough to rid you of your fatigue. To address the problem at the root, you would need to undergo Testosterone replacement therapy at a clinic offering TRT Carlsbad or a similar treatment at a nearby clinic, which solely meant for this particular health issue. Similarly, if you have diabetes, you would need proper medical attention to balance your insulin levels and thereby increase your energy levels. Therefore, it is important to understand the cause of your fatigue before trying to look for solutions. Either way, energy drinks are not the way to go. That said, there are plenty of snacks that can replace energy drinks for a boost of energy.
When we look at the ingredients list of most energy drinks, it’s no wonder they raise concerns. Processed animal body fluids, preservatives, and copious amounts of processed sugar dominate the contents. Not only are these substances potentially harmful to our bodies in excess, but the environmental impact of producing, packaging, and shipping these drinks is also significant. However, it’s not just the environmental impact that should give us pause; it’s the long-term effects on our health.
Energy drinks might give us a temporary boost, but they often come with a crash afterward, leaving us feeling more fatigued than before. The high levels of caffeine and sugar can disrupt our sleep patterns, leading to a vicious cycle of dependency on these drinks to function during the day. Moreover, excessive consumption of energy drinks has been linked to various health issues, including increased risk of heart problems, high blood pressure, and even type 2 diabetes.
Fortunately, there are plenty of healthier alternatives to boost our energy levels without resorting to energy drinks. These alternatives not only provide sustainable energy but also nourish our bodies in the process. One such option is the humble smoothie. A blend of tofu (or yogurt) and banana might not seem as exciting as cracking open a can of energy drink, but its benefits far outweigh the temporary jolt of caffeine and sugar.
Tofu, a staple in many vegetarian and vegan diets, is a fantastic source of protein and essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium. It’s also low in calories and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Yogurt, on the other hand, is rich in probiotics, which support gut health and aid in digestion. Combined with the natural sweetness and energy-boosting properties of bananas, this smoothie becomes a powerhouse of nutrition.
But the possibilities don’t end there. Incorporating other nutrient-dense ingredients into your smoothies can further enhance their energy-boosting potential. Leafy greens like spinach or kale provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, while fruits like berries add antioxidants and natural sweetness without the need for added sugar. Adding a scoop of nut butter or seeds like chia or flaxseed can increase the smoothie’s protein and fiber content, keeping you feeling fuller for longer and providing sustained energy throughout the day.
Another option for a natural energy boost is a handful of nuts or seeds. Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are all rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a convenient and nutritious snack to keep you going between meals. They also contain important nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and iron, which play key roles in energy production and overall well-being.
If you prefer something savory, a small serving of hummus with sliced vegetables or whole-grain crackers can provide a satisfying energy boost without the added sugars found in many processed snacks. Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are packed with protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for sustained energy release.
For those who enjoy a warm beverage, green tea is an excellent alternative to coffee or energy drinks. It contains caffeine for a gentle pick-me-up, along with antioxidants called catechins that have been shown to improve focus and concentration. Unlike coffee, which can cause jitters and crashes, green tea provides a smoother, more sustained energy boost without the side effects.
In conclusion, while energy drinks may offer a quick fix for fatigue, they come with significant drawbacks for both our health and the environment. By opting for natural, whole foods and beverages like smoothies, nuts and seeds, hummus, and green tea, we can boost our energy levels sustainably while nourishing our bodies with the nutrients they need to thrive. Making small changes to our dietary habits can lead to long-term improvements in energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.
Discover more healthy, safe, and delicious energy-boosting snacks in this infographic by Citrix GoToMeeting. You can also get a lot more useful life hacks.
According to Real Simple, if every American made an effort to launder less — cutting out just one load of laundry a week per household — we’d save enough water to fill seven million swimming pools each year.
So if it looks clean, and it smells clean, call it clean and wear it again. Consider hanging worn clothes out on your clothesline to freshen them up between wearings
