Top 15 Fruits And Vegetables For Energy Boost
Energy plays a key role in our day to day to activities. After all,
energy is the sole reason why we can finish anything we desire to do on a
day. However, there might be instances when you think that your body’s
energy is, for the lack of a better word, lacking. Worse, you might even
find that the energy bars and sports drinks are no longer giving you
the energy you need.
To help you counter a mid-day energy deficiency, you would need to take in the right kind of food. Here are top fruits and vegetables for energy boost:
Spices
Spicy herbs and vegetables are known to give the body’s metabolism the proper boost. In turn, the increased metabolism rate allows your body to burn through your fat reserves, converting all that stored fat into the energy you need. Peppers are known for being one of the best spicy vegetables for energy as it contains the compound known as capsaicin which increases your body’s metabolism by at least two folds. Spices can also contain compounds which give your cognitive functions a much needed boost, making them perfect to counter those sleep-inducing moments in your day.
Spinach
Though it does not give you a massive boost of strength a la Popeye, spinach is one of the best vegetables for energy since it contains iron.
Keep in mind that iron deficiency can lead to fatigue which, in turn,
makes you tire out and lose focus easily way before the day ends. By
eating iron-rich vegetables like spinach, your red blood cells will
circulate at a better rate. With the right blood cell circulation, your
body becomes more alert and your mind all the more focused.
Blueberries
For several years, blueberries are being regarded as super-foods
which mean they contain several compounds that will promote a holistic
development in the body. As one of the ideal energy-boosting fruits,
they contain several compounds which improve cognitive function and mental agility.
By consuming several pieces of this berry on a single day, you will all
the more active especially during those slow hours. Blueberries also
contain antioxidants which can clean your body, making you feel lighter
and stronger through regular consumption.
Watermelon
Surprisingly, watermelon is considered one of the best fruits for energy due to its high levels of energy-boosting vitamins and nutrients. A few slices of watermelon
will contain enough b-vitamins, fructose and potassium to set you off
for an entire day. Also, watermelon has a high content of water which
can help in hydrating your body. Keep in mind that a body deprived of
water will not have the energy required to finish even the lightest of
work.
Nuts
Nuts like almonds, pecans and cashews are great snacks to help you
replenish your energy for the day. They contain enough protein to help
the body develop its muscles and coenzyme Q10 which helps in producing
energy in our cells. Certain nuts like almonds also contain a high level of Vitamin E and Magnesium
which gives the body a much needed boost in energy for the rest of the
day. Munching on these fruits for energy will help you go through the
most strenuous of activities. Once you have completed your work, you
will find that you body will still have enough energy for other
activities.
Beans
Whether you enjoy them as part of a soup, a salad or in a burrito,
beans will play a key role in your body’s energy needs. In essence,
beans are both a source of protein and carbohydrates. In other words,
they will pack the nutrients necessary to let the body grow while also
giving the body’s energy levels tremendously.
Citrus Fruits
Fruits like oranges, grapefruit and lemons contain high levels of vitamin C
which can be beneficial to the body’s energy levels. First and
foremost, vitamin C can help the body produce amino acids which, in
turn, produce chemicals that can regulate the body’s energy. A
deficiency in Vitamin C will always result to fatigue in the body which
can tire out any person easily. Also, vitamin C can help the body absorb
iron easily. If paired with other vegetables for energy like spinach,
citrus fruits will help the body replenish its energy quickly and easily.
Sweet Potatoes
Starchy vegetables for energy like sweet potatoes are considered complex carbohydrates.
In essence, complex carbohydrates are composed of long chains of sugar
molecules that easily break up when digested in the body. The result is a
long-lasting boost of energy that will carry you throughout the rest of
the day. Sweet potatoes can also make your stomach feel fuller which
means you won’t be craving for more food throughout the day. If you plan
to work out, biting on a piece of baked sweet potato will give you all
the energy that you need.
Bananas
Compared to most fruits for energy, bananas seem to have a lower caloric count. What they have, on the other hand, is a high content of antioxidants and carbohydrates.
Once consumed, the carbohydrates in the banana will break down and be
converted into blood sugar to fuel the body. Also, bananas have low
fiber content which means that they are easily digestible and can result
in a sudden energy boost. Adding bananas to your mid day or afternoon
snack will result in a well balanced and power-packed meal.
Apples
Apples are not only good for your dental health, they also contain enough nutrients to keep you active throughout the day.
Apples contain a high level of glucose which is necessary in converting
your food into fuel. This results in a very powerful jolt of energy
once the fruit’s nutrients are absorbed in the body. Also, apples have a
high fiber content which means that they digest slower in your stomach
than other fruits for energy. If paired with cheese, a slice of apple
will be an effective energy-boosting snack in the afternoon.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds have the same nutritional benefits with nuts. Like
cashews, they contain enough protein to help your body develop and a
slew of vitamins and nutrients. Like almonds, also, pumpkin seeds
contain a high level of magnesium which is a necessary nutrient in
converting stored food into energy. Pumpkin seeds also contain vitamin E
which is known for giving the brain a proper boost. In other words,
pumpkin seeds will keep you alert and active especially through all your
daily activities. Popping a few of these in your snacks will grant you a
sufficient energy boost for the day.
Honey
Long before soda pops and fizzy energy drinks were made, there was
honey. Honey is considered one of the best foods for energy as it gives
the muscle much-need fuel throughout any exercise and replenishes your
energy after any strenuous work. If you plan to work out, a few
spoonfuls of this natural energy drink in your breakfast or afternoon
snack will have you set for the rest of the day.
Legumes
When you frequently experience a mid-afternoon energy deficiency, it
is best to munch on some legumes like lentils, chickpeas and kidney
beans. These legumes are rich in nutrients that can stabilize your blood sugar levels
and help you convert your stored food into much-needed energy. Legumes
also have low fiber content which means they are easily digested and
their nutrients easily absorb. As soon as you take a bite on these
vegetables for energy, a sudden energy boost will be expected in just a
few minutes.
Coconuts
This tropical fruit is considered a 3-in-1 power meal by a lot of
experts due to benefits of its different edible parts. The meat of
coconuts has enough protein content to give your body the endurance it
needs. Its oil, on the other hand, consists of medium-sized chains of
triglycerides which are fats that are turned into energy for immediate
absorption and use. Finally, coconut water contains enough electrolytes
which can help the body rehydrate and replenish its depleted energy. In
fact, coconut water is considered a healthier alternative to most commercial sports drinks. If you are experiencing a mid-afternoon energy crash, any part of a coconut will help you recharge as soon as possible.
Kale
Like blueberries, kale is a vegetable considered by many to be a
super-food. Possessing a high level of vitamins and nutrients, kale can
give your body the energy boost it needs. Also, kale contains enough
calcium to help your body facilitate proper bone growth. As for fiber
content, kale possess enough fiber that it will be easily digested in
your body while staying long enough for you to get the best of the
benefits that it offers. To get the most out of one of kale, you must cook properly in oil and
have it added with other effective fruits and vegetables for energy
like beans, oranges, legumes and leafy vegetables. This way, you can
have a well-rounded salad of vegetables that can provide you with all
the energy that your body needs for the entire day.
