In a world that gets more hectic each day, we are constantly looking for a quick energy boost, which is why many have turned to natural energy supplements. While some natural energy supplements are better for the body than others, they may help increase alertness and provide an energy boost. Here is a list of 10 you can try for an energy boost.
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is perhaps the most well-known and widely consumed stimulant available. Caffeine affects the body by stopping the breakdown of certain chemical messengers both outside and inside cells. During stressful periods, caffeine amplifies the body’s “fight or flight” response, which is why some use caffeine as an appetite suppressant. This response suppresses the functions of the digestive system and increases the supply of more oxygen-rich blood to the body’s cells. The downside to caffeine is that it can be habit-forming and, in large doses, can cause many problems, so moderation is necessary.
2. Ginseng
Ginseng is a well-known natural energy supplement, and Asian medicine has used it for centuries. Researchers studied Ginseng on Russian cosmonauts and found a boost to physical energy. Ginseng helps the body adapt to increased levels of stress. They found that ginseng stimulates the central nervous system and increases fatigue resistance. However, ginseng can interfere with some medications, so talk to your doctor before using it.
3. Bitter Orange
Bitter orange is an essence from the rind of various citrus fruits, but not the typical oranges used for orange juice. The substance in bitter orange that makes it effective as an energy booster is called synephrine. It is a stimulant that may increase your energy, but it is unrelated to caffeine. If you want to use it, you must talk to your doctor first and not exceed the recommended amount.
4. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is a material that your body produces and is essential to normal function. It is found in a cell’s mitochondria and is necessary for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the primary energy source of cells. Numerous people are deficient in CoQ10, particularly those with an unhealthy diet or that take certain medications. CoQ10 may increase your energy by providing cells with more ATP.
5. B Vitamins
B vitamins are a collection of eight different vitamins essential to good health and energy. Many foods are fortified with B vitamins but nowhere near what the body needs. Overdoses are possible, so don’t exceed the recommended amount.
6. Amino Acids
Amino acids are substances that are parts of the protein people consume and the form that the body can use. Several amino acids are necessary for protein synthesis, which may help boost energy. So eating a healthy diet that includes protein sources is an easy way to increase your energy level.
7. Bee Pollen
Bee pollen could be called nature’s superfood and is among the top natural energy supplements. It contains more than 50 amino acids, minerals, enzymes, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber. And all of this may add up to better health and more energy. Some alternative healing circles believe that bee pollen also has antibiotic properties, which research could not show yet. However, people allergic to bees should stay away as the same allergic reaction could occur.
8. Royal Jelly
Royal jelly happens when bees combine honey and pollen in the hive. Royal jelly includes B-complex vitamins and many other vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids that may increase your energy.
9. Spirulina
The Aztecs discovered spirulina, single-celled algae, thousands of years ago and soon made it a staple of their diet. It contains highly usable protein and is a good vitamin B12 and many different vitamins and minerals. With all of these vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other beneficial compounds, it’s no wonder that spirulina is excellent as an energy booster.
10. Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is a herb that has been used for thousands of years in Eastern medicine to treat anxiety and fatigue. Herbalists like Gotu kola for energy because it may lessen fatigue and depression without the stimulant effect of caffeine. Unlike kola nuts, with which it is often confused, Gotu kola may aid insomnia because it doesn’t have the stimulant properties of kola nuts.
These supplements are excellent for increasing your energy, but some will work faster than others. Ask your doctor before using any of these natural energy supplements.
Resource Links:
- “Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence” via Nutrients
- “Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function” via Nature Reviews: Neuroscience
- “Linking What We Eat to Our Mood: A Review of Diet, Dietary Antioxidants, and Depression“ via Antioxidants
- “Role of nutrition in performance enhancement and postexercise recovery“ via Journal of Sports Medicine
- “https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6360548/“ “The Role of Fiber in Energy Balance” via Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism
