There are many reasons why you might be feeling low energy; poor diet, not enough exercise, a medical condition, or even a combination of these things. No one needs to be lectured about his or her lack of physical activity. If you don't move around enough, you are probably aware. If you have a medical condition, hopefully you consult with doctors regularly to deal with it. Once again I will outline the foods that will help to boost your energy levels, and not dwell in the foods that should be avoided... I think we all know by now to avoid sugars and processed foods.
First off, it is always better to get our vitamins through food rather than supplements. In many cases the supplements only offer partial benefit, and often do not offer the most important aspect of a particular nutrient. Plant-based tends to be better for you than meat-based, though both have healthy nutrients in them.
The Power Duo: Iron and Vitamin C
Iron deficiency is a major cause of lethargy, so it is important to get your daily dose of iron. Combine your iron with some vitamin C and the benefits are increased a great deal. A study was done on women who ate plant-based iron for ten years plus, and the incidence of PMS went down by 35%. Iron can be found in clams, mussels, oysters, liver, sunflower seeds, nuts, beef, lamb, turkey, sardines, chicken, ham, salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, beans, whole grains, dark leafy greens (like spinach or kale), tomatoes, asparagus, potatoes, apricots, beets, peas, pumpkin seeds, eggs, dark chocolate, and tofu.
Foods that have Vitamin C include bell and chili peppers, citrus, tomatoes, peas, papayas, leafy greens, kiwis, broccolis, berries, cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bok choy, pineapple, avocadoes, persimmons.
Magnesium
Magnesium is considered one of the six essential micro-minerals for our body. It converts sugar into energy through a process called ATP (adenosine triphosphate), as well as acting as a catalyst for hundreds of enzymatic reactions within the body. These enzymes help to control digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Without magnesium your internal battery will run dry, and you will feel tired. People should get somewhere between 300-400 mg of magnesium every day. Foods that are high in magnesium include spinach, swiss chard, squashes, mackerel, many types of beans, brown rice, avocadoes, yoghurt, bananas, figs, dark chocolate, pears, soy cheese, black-eyed peas, most nuts, pollock and salmon.
Tyrosine
Found in most proteins (chicken, beef, pork, fish), as well as nuts, beans, seeds, eggs, dairy, and whole grains, it is an amino acid that helps produce neurotransmitters, among other very important body functions. It helps to reduce stress, improve your mood, builds strong muscles, improved memory, reduced odds of a stroke, and it reduces fatigue. It fortifies the immune system and strengthens your organs because it is a cortisol regulator. If you do not eat meat you need to ensure that you get a proper daily dose of the alternatives.
Theobromine - Bitter
Found in cocoa, Theobromine is similar to caffeine, but the stimulant effect is about one tenth as strong, and it does not affect the central nervous system. It lowers blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels, and relaxes the bronchi muscles in the lungs. Consider it a milder form of caffeine without any of the negative side effects that caffeine can cause. It is found in chocolate, and the darker the chocolate the more Theobromine there is. It also has the side benefit of strengthening the enamel in your teeth.
Capsaicin - Spicy
This is a chemical that makes some fruit spicy, such as hot peppers. The chemical itself is odourless and tasteless, but it triggers a reaction that creates some heat. When a pepper is rated the Scoville Index is used, and it measures the amount of capsaicin the pepper contains. The chemical will decrease your appetite, and it is believed that it shifts the body from carbohydrate oxidation to fat oxidation, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Some studies show a link between capsaicin levels and brown fat metabolism levels. Brown fat metabolism levels are associated with increased energy and lower body fat.
The simple truth is that you can eat all of these things, but if you continue to eat foods that are loaded with fats, especially processed fats, your efforts are being nullified. Get rid of the fatty foods and you WILL feel better. And not just a little better, but completely different. You will wonder why it took you so long to dump the foods that make you feel awful. You can have them now and then, but not on a daily basis. Good luck and good eating!
Visit us at http://www.shrewdsnackers.ca
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shrewdsnackersca/912361048783806?ref=hl
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Gillhoolley
Blogger Comment
Facebook Comment