Originally published April 21 2014
Naturally energize to keep going and going
by J. Anderson
(NaturalNews) Many times when we want a boost of energy, we reach for the coffee or even an energy drink. But as modern science has indicated, energy drinks can be down-right bad for you, and there can be some side effects of drinking too much coffee (withdrawal symptoms and disrupted sleep from the caffeine)! Other energy-boosting options are the foods that we consume!
While certain foods can help boost our energy, it may depend more on how many times we chew that food. Research discussed at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) demonstrated that the more you chew the more energy the body can absorb from that food, which therefore helps revitalize your body to a greater extent!
The Study
As you would imagine, the more you chew food, the more easily the body can process and absorb the nutrients located within it, which can lead to the body having more vitamins and nutrients to help boost your energy levels! The research found that, when people chewed less (chewing 25 vs. 40 times), more of the larger unchewed particles were eliminated by the body along with the energy they contained. On the other hand, with more chews, the smaller particles were readily absorbed! Dr. Richard Mattes (foods and nutrition professor at Purdue University) said, "Particle size has bioaccessibility of the energy of the food that is being consume. The more you chew, the less is lost and more is retained in the body."
While the research is relatively common sense, it's a good reminder to always be conscious about chewing your food properly to allow for efficient digestion and energy absorption!
Natural Energy Boosts
If you want to avoid the coffee and energy drinks, here are some energy-inducing superstars that can help get you over that afternoon energy drain at the office and help fight fatigue:
Herbs - There are many wonderful herbs that you can use to help increase your energy levels! Herbs such as Korean ginseng, Eleuthero root, Ashwagandha, and Yerba mate are all amazing herbs that can work with your physiology to help your body run more smoothly and increase your energy levels! Many of these herbs can be consumed in tea!
Honey - This is nature's energy drink! Honey can help take the place of many of your normal sweeteners! Honey will help wake you up in no time! Try a spoonful of local honey to fight fatigue or even help reduce local allergies!
Nuts - Fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals are quite a punch that you can get from nuts. They are incredibly easy to pack as a snack, which makes them ideal for the office! Try almonds or walnuts for your next snack!
Water - Being dehydrated can be one of the leading causes of fatigue! Most of the time, people won't even drink water throughout the day due to them drinking substitutes like soda and coffee! Being hydrated allows your body to run more smoothly and efficiently! Drink eight 8 oz glasses a day or take you body weight and divide that by half and drink that many ounces a day!
Fish - Wild-caught fish is incredible healthy for you and will boost your energy as well! The omega-3s associated with fish are incredibly heart healthy to boot. Try fresh-caught salmon!
Beans - Beans are simply amazing for you! Along with being loaded in fiber, they also provide a healthy dose of protein and carbohydrates! This gives you a long, sustainable energy source! They are also high in iron, magnesium and calcium!
Dark Greens - Vegetables such as spinach and Swiss chard are loaded with nutrients that can help revitalize you! Full of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium... etc! Make a quick salad out of them or stir-fry for a healthy dose of energy!
Fruit - Want a healthy dose of fiber and carbohydrates to get you back on your feet? Fruit can be the answer that many of us are looking for, because it is sweet and tasty as well (making a great snack). Fruit is also a huge source of nutrients and antioxidants (especially berries)! Pack an apple or some blueberries for a quick snack at the office.
Wrap-Up
The next time you feel fatigue creeping up, reach for one of these all natural energy-boosters to put some pep back in your step! Just remember, as the IFT research indicated, it's not only about the food that you choose to induce energy, it's also about chewing it properly to set yourself up for efficient digestion!
Sources for this article include:
http://www.sciencedaily.com
http://www.sciencedaily.com
http://www.sciencedaily.com
http://www.healthline.com
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://science.naturalnews.com
About the author:
Living healthy starts at-home and it starts by educating yourself! To learn more about living a healthy, natural lifestyle visit DIY Active.
Living healthy starts at-home and it starts by educating yourself! To learn more about living a healthy, natural lifestyle visit DIY Active.
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