Fatigue fighters: 10 foods that boost energy

A hectic lifestyle getting you down? Try out these superfoods that will boost your energy level and banish fatigue.

Fresh fruits

Apples, bananas, oranges or berries are a tasty snack that will not only give you a quick boost of energy but will also give you many vitamins, minerals and are rich in phytonutrients.

Cofee

1 cup black coffee = about 5 calories, 0 carbs, 0 protein, 0 fat.

The welcoming aroma of Coffee delivers a temporary energy burst; 1-2 cups may make you more productive but more than 2 cups a day may lead to fatigue.

Note since coffee contains caffeine that acts as a mild diuretic you need to drink more water if you like drinking coffee.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower Seeds have a huge energy boosting capacity and are loaded with protein, iron, B vitamins, copper and magnesium.

Chew a spoonful of sunflower seeds properly to beat away fatigue.

Watermelon

Nutrient packed sweet Watermelon gives you an instant energy boost at the cost of very few calories.

Antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin A help reduce risk of heart disease as they prevent free radicals from oxidizing Cholesterol.

Cholesterol once oxidized sticks to blood vessel walls causing plaques that can rupture and may lead to heart attack or stroke.

Green tea

Green tea gives a perky energetic boost plus it is full of antioxidants (catechin polyphenols) particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that helps in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.

EGCG in green tea is also effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting formation of blood clots thus protecting against heart attack or stroke.

Peppermint

Peppermint drink is refreshing and cool and a tasteful way to give you an energy boost. 

Peppermint tea has an invigorating aroma that helps you stay focused and alert thus boosting mental performance.

Plain water

A glass of water is healthiest drink as it speeds up your metabolism, and is essential for your digestive system as it helps to digest, absorb and transport nutrients; thus without water your body cannot generate energy.

If you are dehydrated your cells will receive nutrients less efficiently leading to fatigue. You may increase your water content in the form of water rich fruits, fruit juices, soups, herbal tea…

Walnuts

A handful of Walnuts are a good snack as they are rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids that help you think more clearly and keep you focused.

Omega-3 fats are especially fluid and flexible help maximize the brain cell's ability to absorb nutrients and eliminate wastes.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains Tyrosine (amino acid) helps fight fatigue and boosts blood levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in a mood and mental boost.

Tryptophan Vitamin B2, B5, B12, Calcium, Phosphorus, molybdenum, and zinc are quickly digested as Yogurt is in semi-liquid form.

8 ounces of low fat plain yogurt = about 130 calories, 15 grams carbs, 11 grams protein, 3 grams fat

Popcorn (air popped)

Popcorn is a whole grain that is high in fiber and b complex vitamins that help boost your energy.

Ensure you stick to small and medium servings of popcorn and every cup of air-popped popcorn gives you 31 calories of energy.

Note that popcorn is healthy snack depending on how it is prepared for example air-popped popcorn is healthy.