According
to the NHS, one in five of us feel unusually tired at any one moment in
time. And many more of us suffer from periodic energy dips throughout
the day. Unfortunately, our modern diet, which is high in processed
convenience foods, lacks the vitamins, minerals and other essential
nutrients necessary to sustain energy and is one of the main causes of
fatigue. Indeed, the only way to demonstrably boost energy levels and
banish tiredness for good, is by enjoying a wholesome, balanced diet
that incorporates a range of natural superfoodsknown to promote increased levels of energy – superfood energy that in turns provides welcome fuel for life!
What is energy?
Our
body requires energy for several purposes – to grow, keep active,
maintain sufficient body heat and most importantly, to stay alive. We
obtain our energy, our fuel for life, from the nutrients found in the
food and drink that we consume on a daily basis.
Which nutrients provide energy?
Energy
is predominantly provided by carbohydrates, protein and fat, although
there are some other, often-overlooked nutrients that are just as
important in furnishing our body with the right levels of energy.
1. Carbohydrates
Carbs
are our body’s primary source of fuel, supplying energy to the brain,
heart and every other system in our body, as well as up to 50% of the
energy required for light physical activity and exercise.
2. Fat
Those
watching their weight often avoid foods that contain fat. However, fats
are absolutely crucial for energy production. They also aid in the
absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K.
Unlike harmful saturated fats, healthy fats (such as omega-3 fatty acids)
are positively good for us and in addition to providing energy, can
also help to protect us from heart disease and certain types of cancer.
3. Protein
Protein
is necessary for the healthy growth and repair of our body tissue,
internal organs and skin. Our body also converts excess protein into fat
for use as energy in lieu of sufficient quantities of carbs or fats.
4. Vitamins
Although
vitamins do not directly supply energy, they do assist in the
conversion of other nutrients into energy – vitamins B1 and B2 help to
convert carbs into energy for example – and they also enable our cells
to transfer energy to the brain and the rest of our body.
5. Minerals
Again,
minerals do not produce energy, however, they do facilitate the use of
it. Iron, for example, aids in the manufacture of cellular energy and
plays an important role in energy metabolism, whilst manganese is
necessary for the healthy function of mitochondria (energy-producing
cell structures) and aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino
acids.
6. Water
Believe
it or not, in order to benefit from adequate levels of energy, it’s
also important to drink plenty of water. Water regulates body
temperature, transports nutrients to cells, aids digestion and without
it our body’s cells would not receive energy from other nutrients.
Superfood energy – 7 superfoods that boost energy!
Superfoods are referred to as superfoods for
good reason. They’re pure, natural foods that by definition are low in
calories and extraordinarily rich in beneficial nutrients, including
carbs, protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, such as omega-3
fatty acids. All the nutrients in fact that we now know are essential in
maintaining adequate levels of energy throughout the day!
Superfood
energy is fuel for life. And you can start enjoying more superfood
energy today, simply by adding some of the 7 energy-rich superfoods
below to your weekly shop.
Top 7 superfoods for superfood energy
1) Organic cacao powder
According
to leading natural health and nutrition expert, David Wolfe, raw cacao
is the number one choice when it comes to superfood energy. Organic cacao powder contains a unique blend of nutrients that can help you dramatically boost your energy levels, including:
- Magnesium – raw cacao is the richest dietary source of magnesium on earth. Magnesium is
a superb source of energy that optimises oxygen use to increase energy
levels and burn calories. It’s estimated that around 7 out of 10 UK
women suffer from a lack of magnesium, which results in fatigue,
weakness, anxiety, irritability, and, you’ve guessed it, lack of energy!
- Iron – which aids in the manufacture of cellular energy and plays an important role in energy metabolism.
- Manganese
– which is necessary for healthy energy-producing cell structures known
as mitochondria and aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino
acids.
- PEA (phenylethylamine) – PEA (also known as the ‘love drug’) heightens libido and boosts energy levels, alertness and concentration.
- Theobromine – a mild, natural stimulant that helps to burn fat for energy.
Organic cacao powder possesses a tempting chocolate flavour and a powerful aroma, and is an ideal ingredient in homemade raw chocolate, energy bars, smoothies and desserts.
2) Organic hemp protein powder
Consuming a daily amount of organic hemp protein powder is
another great way to obtain pure, unadulterated superfood energy. Made
from the hemp plant – one of the oldest plants on earth – hemp protein
powder contains the following energy-rich nutrients:
- Protein
– organic hemp protein powder consists of more than 60% Edestin
(vegetable protein), the highest percentage of all plant species.
Edestin is considered the most edible and readily digestible form of
protein there is.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – healthy fats that your body converts directly into energy.
- Magnesium
- Iron
Deliciously creamy and faintly nutty in flavour, organic hemp protein powder can be stirred into your daily smoothie, shake or protein drink.
3) Organic raisins
Organic raisins are a superlative source of superfood energy. That’s because they’re bursting with energy-wielding nutrients, such as:
- Carbohydrates
– your body’s primary source of fuel. On average organic raisins
contain a whopping 75 grams of carbs per every 100 grams.
- Iron – a 100-gram serving of organic raisins contains approximately 10% of your RDA for iron.
Organic raisins make a tasty, yet wholesome snack between meals and are an irresistible addition to homemaderaw chocolate and energy bars.
4) Organic Coconut OIL
Enjoying organic coconut oil is
a fast and sure way to increase your energy, as it contains such high
levels of healthy saturated fats that are essential for energy
production. In particular, more than half of the fats found in coconut
oil are:
- Medium
chain fatty acids – also known as medium chain triglycerides or MCTs
for short. Your body is able to metabolise MCTs far more rapidly than
long chain fats, enabling them to be quickly burned as energy, rather
than stored as unwelcome layers of fat.
Coconut
oil boasts a wonderfully fragrant aroma and is the perfect alternative
to standard cooking oils that are typically high in unhealthy processed
fats, such as trans fats.
5) Organic Goji berries
Goji
berries are arguably one of the most nutritious fruits on the planet
and one that delivers a superior dose of superfood energy. Organic goji berries are brimming with the following energy producing nutrients:
- Protein – goji berries are a complete source of protein and amino acids.
- Vitamin B1 & B2 – which play a crucial role in converting carbohydrates into energy.
Organic
Goji berries are also considered a powerful adaptogen that can help to
reduce stress and cortisol levels, thus allowing your body to burn more
fat for energy.
Goji berries are a yummy addition to trail mix, breakfast granolas, raw chocolate and energy bars and may also be enjoyed by the handful, straight from the bag.
6) Brazilian ginseng powder
Brazilian ginseng powder is
a superfood extract made from the root of the Pfaffia Paniculata – it
is rich in several energy boosting nutrients, including:
- Vitamins B1 & B2
- Magnesium
- Beta-ecdysterone
– a natural anabolic agent which enhances athletic performance, yet
without the kind of side affects typically associated with steroids.
- Germanium
– which is thought to increase the supply of oxygen to your body’s
cells and thus have a positive influence on energy and stamina.
South
American tribes have been using Brazilian ginseng to boost their energy
levels for centuries. Today it’s a common ingredient in many popular
energy drinks and is often recommended for those suffering from Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome.
Enjoy Brazilian ginseng powder in your choice of smoothies, shakes and protein drinks, or use as an additional ingredient in raw snacks and energy bars.
7) Organic spirulina powder
Organic spirulina powder is
made from blue-green, freshwater algae and contains an impressive
selection of valuable nutrients. Once supplied to Aztec athletes and
warriors in order to boost energy, strength and endurance, spirulina
supplies superfood energy in the form of:
- Protein
– organic spirulina powder is a complete source of highly digestible
protein. It comprises of a staggering 60 percent vegetable protein (more
even than red meat), which can be absorbed up to four times faster than
animal protein.
- Essential
fatty acids – including a high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid
(GLA) and omega 6 fatty acids. In fact the only food that contains more
omega 6 fatty acids than spirulina is mother’s milk.
- Vitamins B1 & B2
- Magnesium
- Iron
Organic spirulina powder is an extremely versatile kitchen ingredient that can be readily stirred into water, green juices, liquid meals and a variety of raw food snacks.
Where does 'energy' come from?
