4 Tasty Metabolism & Energy Boosting Foods

When it comes to boosting your metabolism and energy levels, there are a handful of foods that you should be eating on a daily basis that help you look and perform better along with giving you more energy and a speedier metabolism for faster weight loss.

The following foods are rich in energy boosting nutrients and contain antioxidants that help speed up workout recovery and fight off and prevent illness and disease.

If you are suffering from low energy levels and have a slow metabolism, start eating these foods on a daily basis to get the most benefit from them. You do not have to eat all of these foods every day, but eating most of them daily is the best way to go.

So without further ado, here are four outstanding and tasty foods to eat often for more energy and a higher metabolism.

1. Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are all awesome fruits that boost your metabolism and energy levels. You see, most fruits are high in natural sugars which can slow down and prevent fat loss.

However, unlike most fruits, berries are very low in natural sugar which makes them perfect to eat anytime. Berries are loaded with antioxidants, fiber and plant nutrients called phytonutrients, which help increase energy levels by improving your cellular health.

To get the most health benefits from berries, eat a fruit bowl consisting of strawberries, blueberries and blackberries several times a week. This combo packs a powerful antioxidant punch which strengthens your immune system and helps speed up your metabolism and increases your energy levels.

Mixing berries into low-fat or no-fat Greek yogurt makes for a tasty snack or breakfast. Always put fresh berries into your yogurt instead of buying yogurt that already has fruit in it.

Flavored yogurt or yogurt with fruit contains far too much adder sugar and too little fruit, which means you will not get the energy and health benefits that you get from eating fresh berries.

As berries absorb a lot of pesticides, I highly recommend that you spend an extra dollar or two and go with organic berries as they do not contain any harmful pesticides.

2. Walnuts

Walnuts are my go to food for boosting energy levels anytime of day. Walnuts are an excellent source of Vitamin E, fiber and ALA, an omega-3 fat essential for healthy hair, skin and nails. They are also very low in carbohydrates which means you can snack on them at any time of day.

Although Walnuts are high in fat, the fat is mostly from monounsaturated fat, which is a good fat that does not damage your arteries or cause inflammation, which is the leading cause of heart disease.

For best results, snack on a small handful of Walnuts in between meals, 60-90 minutes before bed, or anytime you need an energy boost. Walnuts make a good pair with fresh fruit and dried fruit, just be sure to limit your fruit intake as most foods are high in natural sugar which can interfere with weight loss.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes far superior to white potatoes when it comes to nutrients and fiber. Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse as they are loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C and dietary fiber and several other important nutrients.

Most people tend to prefer the taste of sweet potatoes to regular potatoes as they are sweet and can be eaten with many different foods for both lunch and dinner.

Eat sweet potatoes with lean meats and fibrous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, tomatoes, spinach and other raw veggies several times a week.

The complex carbohydrates in sweet potatoes give you sustained energy without the crash you would get from other foods high in carbohydrates, especially sugar.

4. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a true Superfood and has countless health benefits along with boosting your metabolism and energy levels so you can power through your workouts.

Coconut oil contains a high amount of unique fats called medium chain triglycerides. These fats are considered fat burning fats and can speed up the burning of body fat quite considerably.

Coconut oil can be used for cooking, as a sauce or dressing, and in smoothies and shakes. For a tasty and quick energy-boosting snack, I like to spread one tablespoon of coconut oil on a whole grain rice cake, then spread almond butter over it and top it with the raspberries or blueberries and sprinkle it with cinnamon.

This absolutely delicious snack contains healthy fats and antioxidants along with fiber and plant nutrients which increase energy during workouts and protect the immune system from exercise induced stress.

Coconut oil can be eaten and consumed in many different ways and with many different foods, don't be afraid to experiment and find the best way for you to eat coconut oil.

There you have it, incorporate the above four foods into your diet on a weekly basis and you will notice a nice increase in energy along with a higher metabolism, leading to better workouts and better results.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Top 10 Health Benefits Of Goji Berries

Have you ever wondered how these little red berries can change your life? Well, goji berries are one of the most nutritionally rich foods on the planet. They are grown on a vine-like bush only in the shade. Goji berries differ in colors from pale yellow, sun-fire orange and deep red. The two main types of goji berries are Asian and American. The only difference between them is their history. The Asian goji berries have been grown for thousands of years by Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetans, whereas the American goji berries originated from the South-West dessert of the United States which was used for survival when no water was found. 

There are many benefits of goji berries. Here are some of them:

1. Longevity and Healthy Hormones. According to researches, the seventy year old person produces only one-tenth of the amount of the Human Growth Hormone generated by the twenty year old person. This causes the body to have lower energy levels and wastage. To feel, look and function like a youthful person, you need to boost the natural production of the growth hormone. This superfood has been identified as "the longevity fruit" which is filled with a variety of nutrients. These nutrients will help you to live a longer and healthier life. Goji berries help your body to achieve this in three ways:

• They are high in sesquiterpenoids which are filled with anti-inflammatory properties.
• They stimulate the pituitary and pineal glands which increase the glandular production of the Human Growth Hormone (HGH).
• They are rich in l-arginine and l-glutamine which works together to boost the HGH to revitalize your appearance and metabolism.

2. Enhancing Libido and Sexual Function. Goji berries are known for strong sexual tonic in Asia. Goji berries improve your stamina levels, mood and wellbeing, while decreasing the impact of stress on your body. These benefits lead to a much healthier life. Goji berries will help your HGH production and raise the testosterone levels to ensure healthier sex life.

3. Improving Vision. Goji berries contain the highest concentration of eyesight improving antioxidants, namely zeaxanthin and lutein. Zeaxanthin and lutein protect the eyes from the damage of the free radicals that attacks your eyes every day. They also heal the membranes of your eyes keeping them youthful and healthy. These two key antioxidants are concentrated at the center of the retina and protect your eyes from the following diseases:

• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Loss of sight
• Eye aging problems.

4. Antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your DNA from the damage of free radicals and radiation. If your DNA is damaged, it's easier for every imaginable illness to enter your body, as well as increase the aging process. Your body is equipped to repair itself, but if your body gets faced with too many free radicals, it becomes overwhelmed and the result is the premature death of healthy cells. This can be the cause of a variety of diseases, such as a cancer. The goji berry is filled with carotenoid antioxidants which are natural sources of fat soluble antioxidant pigments.

5. Immune System Booster. Goji berries are rich in Vitamin C and Zinc. Both of these vitamins protect the body against diseases and help in recovery. They also protect the cells in your body and boost your immune system through these three main components:

• Polysaccharides which protect the cells from generic mutation.
• Beta-carotene which enhances the thymus gland function and increases the stimulation action on your immune system to prevent any viral infection.
• Mineral germanium which fights off any cancer properties, such as liver cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, testicular cancer and uterine cancer.

6. Hydration. Proper hydration is a very important aspect for your overall health. If your body isn't hydrated you become dehydrated and your body doesn't have enough water to absorb to function normally. You lose water when you breathe, when you go to the bathroom and through your sweat. You don't have to drink water only. You can consume this superfood for hydration as well. This fresh superfood grows in rich, alkaline alluvial soils which contain a big amount of hydrogen needed for hydration.

7. Supporting Brain and Neurological Health. Goji berries help our bodies with the production of choline. The choline is an essential nutrient that fights off free radical damage, narrows the arteries that delivers oxygen to the brain cells which can cause Alzheimer's disease and neurological degeneration.

8. Supporting Cardiovascular Health. Goji berry holds the key to fight off the main cause of most heart diseases, mainly oxidized cholesterol. Cholesterol becomes more dangerous when it is oxidized as a result of free radicals. This is when the blood fats clench to the artery walls with calcium forming nanobacteria to form plagues. An enzyme called Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) acts as a defense mechanism against cholesterol and may prevent cholesterol from oxidizing. Goji berries can increase your SOD to decrease your cholesterol levels.

9. Keeping Vital Organs Healthy. They keep our vital organs healthy through balancing blood sugar levels and increasing the digestive system, skin and liver function. They're also filled with phytonutrients which enhance the ability to detoxify and guard the liver against any damage from carcinogens and hepatitis virus. These phytonutrients include betaine, polysaccharides and antioxidant pigments. The liver gets cleaned by betaine. This reduces the toxic amino acids in the cardiovascular system. Goji berry tea can be used for the treatment of diabetes and all types of digestive problems, as well as the recovery of ulcers and a spastic colon. Goji berries also contain fatty acids which can stimulate collagen production to ensure moisture resulting in a youthful skin.

10. Improving Sleep. Goji berries contain Thiamine and Magnesium - two main nutrients needed for a healthy sleep. Thiamin improves your mood and energy levels, while magnesium improves the quality of sleep by shortening the time it takes to fall asleep.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Kombucha - Home-Made, Fermented, Probiotic, Health-Boosting Joy!

In the past I was always a bit nonplussed when it came to kombucha. I didn't think I liked the taste, and I was sceptical of the claimed health benefits. But now I've found out more about it, and discovered how easy and fun it is to make at home, I'm definitely a kombucha convert!

Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea. It is made using a 'kombucha mother', also called a 'kombucha scoby' (or sometimes 'the tea beast'!) which is a gelatinous colony of bacteria and yeast. The mother is added to a container of sweet black tea, and over the period of a couple of days to a couple of weeks the bacteria and yeast feed off of the sugar, and produce a range of nutrients which fortify the tea.

Health Benefits

Kombucha is credited with anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Like all ferments, it is a 'living' substance, containing healthful 'friendly bacteria', which are essential for immunity, digestion, and nutrient absorption. It also contains vitamins and amino acids. In ancient China it was called the 'tea of immortality'.

Using & Brewing Kombucha

The only difficulty to start with is getting hold of a komucha mother. You could try asking around your local health-food shops, or look on eBay where there are often some for sale.

A kombucha mother can be reused indefinitely. Each new batch is started with about a cupful of mature kombucha saved from the previous batch, and some new (cooled) sweet black tea. One or 2 teabags and a handful of sugar to a small saucepan of water seems about right, but the quantities are very variable.

The best vessel for brewing your kombucha is said to be a bowl with a large surface area, but I find it easier in a large jar. Cover with a cloth to keep out flies or dust but don't seal closed as this would cause a pressure build up.

Once it's ready, the komucha is kept in the fridge and drunk as it is. It is slightly fizzy, slightly acidic, and to my mind, has a taste not unlike cider. The taste changes day by day as the complex fermentation processes develop. Young kombucha still tastes more like tea and is slightly sweet.

Very mature kombucha is not at all sweet, with a strong vinegary taste. Kombucha connoisseurs often seem to like it quite vinegary, but I must admit I prefer it a little milder, and normally stop my kombucha before it gets too strong.

Every batch you make also produces a new 'mother', so you end up with 2. At first the existing mother that you put in sinks to the bottom. After a day or 2 you can start to see a film appearing on the surface of the kombucha. Don't be afraid - this isn't mould, but the beginnings of a new mother.

After another couple of days it will be thicker, and will resemble the original mother. Once you have finished, you can use each of your mothers to make 2 separate batches of kombucha, give one away, or compost it. A mother will also keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge in a cupful or so of mature kombucha.

You can also kombucha other liquids. I mentioned that to me komucha tastes a little like cider, so I recently tried komucha-ing some apple juice, and it was delicious! It is claimed that using liquids other than tea will eventually harm the mother, but I haven't yet found this to be the case.

As a new mother is created each time I find it best to keep one regular batch of kombucha tea on the go at the same time as an experimental brew, so that I always have one mother that I know will be ok.

So... I'm a kombucha convert, is anyone else with me?

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Dried Fruit Nutrition: Educate Yourself On The Top 5 Dried Fruits

With the increasing awareness of the need to improve diet and carefully watch the foods we eat and the food we give our family, it pays to educate ourselves on dried fruit nutrition. Dried fruit can keep for long periods, it is easy to store, it is convenient to carry as a snack, and it can be quite economical.

Just exactly what is dried fruit? Fruit with a large proportion of the water content removed. The fruit retains a high nutritional value. The drying process can either be done naturally under the sun, or artificially through hot dryers or food dehydrators. In additional to equipping a kitchen with a quality cookware set, many also invest in a quality stainless steel food dehydrator and process their own fruits and nuts.

In this article we will consider five of the most common and most popular dried fruits. Educate yourself on these five and see how you can benefit from the nutritional value by working them into your weekly diet, for yourself and your family.

Dried Apricots

Dried apricots actually contain more nutritional value than fresh ones simply because the nutrient content is much higher. Dried apricots contain a high level of carotenes, good for lowering the risk of some cancers. This dried fruit also is a good source of vitamin C, silicon, iron, phosphorous, calcium and potassium.

Dried apricots are rich in iron and therefore helpful in the fight against anemia. They can also act as a gentle laxative and help avoid constipation. They even help with digestion.

Dried Dates

Dried dates are packed with nutrients which include phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. They promote the existence of healthy bacteria in the intestines and they can help ease the problem of constipation, acting as a mild laxative.

Dates are an excellent source of energy and they can provide a quick energy boost, being full of natural sugars. Dried dates have less calories than fresh dates and therefore can be included in a healthy snack for those wishing to maintain a healthy weight.

Dried Figs

Dried figs are rich in potassium and therefore help control blood pressure. They are also an excellent source of fibre and can be incorporated in a weight management regimen.

Other minerals present in dried figs are: manganese, iron, copper, potassium, calcium, zinc and selenium. Both copper and iron and important in the production of red blood cells in the body.

Dried Plums - Prunes

Prunes contain vitamins A and C, chromium, potassium and iron, lutein and fibre. In practical terms they help with healthy bowel movements, contribute to healthy hair and skin, help maintain proper blood sugar levels, provide energy, and the lutein even helps prevent eyesight failure.

And here is something of interest to all those trying to lose weight: prunes are an appetite suppressor! Why? Prunes can help slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach thereby giving the sensation that you are full. This can help in the fight against overeating.

Dried Grapes - Raisins

Raisins contain high levels of natural sugars, up to 72% of their weight. They are high in antioxidants - key factor in fighting cancer and heart disease. Why they can even contribute to healthy teeth and gums, fighting cavities and gum disease.

Raisins also help prevent constipation, and as they are rich in iron, help with the fight against anemia.

Motivation - Why Should I Bother?

If a family has been used to snacking on crisps, candy bars, and the like, it will take a considerable effort and mental shift to get out of unhealthy eating habits. However, thinking of the end result can be a powerful motivation. Dried fruit has a high nutritional content and when combined with dried nuts, it can provide a very healthy snack.

As with anything, it can take time to make an adjustment. If a person had a habit of putting sugar in tea or coffee and then decides to go without sugar, these beverages will taste unpleasant in the beginning. If the person persists however over the course of a few weeks, the taste senses actually change and become accustomed to beverages without sugar. After a period of time, when that same person is mistakenly given a cup of tea or coffee with sugar, they almost spit it out as a reflex action because it tastes so sweet!

So give yourself or your family a little time for the taste senses to adjust to your new healthy eating habits. It will pay rich dividends in an increased level of health, energy, and sense of well-being. Educate yourself on dried fruit nutrition and start improving your diet today!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Running On Empty? 10 Top Tips To Gain Energy

Do you remember the energy, the drive of your younger days? Fatigue is a common complaint of almost everyone once they arrive at middle age. Rather than adapting to the feeling of being run down and out of gas... do something to gain energy and get yourself going again!

1. Check for a health problem - fatigue is a symptom that appears with many illnesses, things like diabetes, heart disease arthritis, anemia, thyroid disease and even sleep apnea. And don't forget to check the medicine cabinet... often drugs can contribute to those feelings of exhaustion. Suspect drugs for blood pressure, as well as antihistamines, diuretics or narcotic medications. If you're unusually tired after starting a new medication, talk with your doctor.

2. Exercise - even though it might be the last thing you want to do, many studies have shown that being active boosts energy levels. It sure gets your blood pumping, which improves your circulation, making it easier for blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain and muscles of the body. It's been found that those who are active have a greater sense of self-confidence, but also have stronger, more efficient hearts, lungs and muscles.

If you're struggling to get motivated, use an iPod or MP3 player to create a workout playlist of songs (120 to 140 beats a minute) to help keep you going. The tunes aren't just a distraction form all the sweating and straining, research has found that matching the tempo of your workout to music can increase you capacity for exercise by 15%.

Yoga might be especially effective for giving you more energy. A British study reported improvements in clear thinking, energy and confidence after only six weeks of once a week yoga classes. University of Oregon researchers offered yoga classes to 135 subjects (men and women) who were 65 to 85 years old, and at the end of six months, the subjects reported an improved sense of well-being and a boost in their overall energy levels.

3. Drink lots of water - dehydration takes away your energy and hurts your physical performance. It makes sense that being dehydrated can cause fatigue even when you're just doing things around the house and yard. Dehydration also has been found to decrease alertness and impact concentration. You will know if you're drinking enough water by the color of your urine - pale yellow or straw colored is okay, anything else is a sign you need to be drinking more water. Eating water based fruits and veggies is another great choice, but be sure to include a serving of a potassium rich food as well. Any non-alcoholic drink, water included, over ice is an almost instant pick me up.

4. Eat small meals, more often - some people battling fatigue might benefit from eating smaller meals regularly during the day as this helps to steady blood sugar levels. You will also want to choose whole grains and complex carbs as they take longer to digest and help keep blood sugar levels stable. And remember, more often does NOT mean bigger portions, be sure and keep an eye on the size of the meals. Small means small.

There's also been research that suggests low doses of caffeine during the day work are better than the giant cup to start the day. Researchers found that those who work odd hours got a better boost from caffeine when they drank small amounts, and they did better on cognitive tests.

5. Get enough sleep - sounds obvious, but lack of sleep is one of the main causes of fatigue, so if you're burning the midnight oil understand you can't do this forever. Eventually you'll need to get to bed early enough to catch up on your sleep. When those participating in a 2004 Stanford University study were allowed to sleep as long as they wished, they had more vigor and were less tired. Experts are also finding that good sleep habits may also have critical health benefits.

If you're up late on a regular basis, consider an afternoon nap. Hardly an indulgence, napping restores wakefulness and helps in performance and learning. A ten minute nap is usually enough to get you going again, but don't nap longer than 30 minutes or you're likely to impact your nighttime sleep.

6. Get some omega-3 fish oils - according to a 2009 Italian study, subjects who took a fish oil capsule for 21 days demonstrated faster mental reaction times than those who didn't take the capsule. The capsule-takers also said they felt more vigorous. Another fatigue busting food is dark chocolate (with at least 60% cocoa) as it contains a stimulant that boosts energy without giving you the jitters that come with other sweets, so you feel energetic for longer.

7. Be aware of your own body clock - some of us have all kinds of energy in the morning, others don't warm up until later on... at their best by the end of the day. You need to be aware of your own daily energy patterns and schedule demanding things when your energy level is up.

8. Lose extra weight - dropping a bit of weight can give you a major energy boost. Even small reductions help with mood, feelings of vigor and the overall quality of your life. The most pain-free weight loss comes from cutting back on your portion sizes, eating a balanced (lots of fruits and veggies) diet and being more active overall.

9. Get rid of clutter - all that mess lying around is a drain on your energy, reminding your silently of things you've yet to do. Working in small increments to clean up - say a half hour a day, or a bookshelf each afternoon - is the way to go, you'll see the progress but won't be overwhelmed by the task.

10. Change up your daily routine - doing the same things day after day drain your energy, instead switch things up and the reward chemical of the brain, dopamine, is released. This gets the body ready for action. Even just taking a new way to work, shifting up your workout routine, or eating outside instead of the kitchen table can be enough.

If all else fails experts suggest you fake it - slap on a smile, put on a brightly colored shirt or try a new perfume - by faking having energy, your body soon catches on and you actually gain energy. Research has shown that a simple smile releases endorphins and ups serotonin levels, and all this helps you come to feel the energy and vigor you're faking.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Energy Boosting Superfoods

It seems everyone these days is using some sort of energy drink. How often have you heard co-workers say they need coffee or chocolate or an "energy drink" to make it through the day? One of the main problems is that with all of these approaches to energy, they introduce artificial stimulants into your body and who knows what kind of unwanted dangers they pose. In addition, a lot of energy options are high in sugar and artificial additives.

We have a solution - go natural - use superfoods!

It is possible to use superfoods to give you that additional energy boost that everyone is looking for. By eating the right foods and small meals throughout the day you can boost your metabolism and get that extra energy pump you were looking for.

Here's a list of known superfoods that will ramp up your metabolism - perfect solutions for people on the go:

Goji berries

Rich in antioxidants, goji berries have also been found to boost energy and even enhance your mood.

Green tea 

This superfood has been used for hundreds of years. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found green tea can produce an energy bump similar to caffeine.

Chia seeds 

Aztecs used chia seeds to prepare for battle. Research shows the chia seeds can absorb ten times their weight and are very slow to digest, which translates to sustained energy and it stays for several hours. People add chia seeds to protein shakes and their regular meals to help give them added energy that lasts all day.

Quinoa

Here is a power house protein rich food, which is actually a grain. It's related to the spinach and beet families. The Incas used quinoa as a source of energy for battle and NASA is even considering growing it in space because of it's impressive nutritional profile.

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8 Tips To Boost Energy And Banish Tiredness

If you are feeling physically and mentally challenged, or simply lacking energy for a large part in your day, the problem needs resolving. These constant feelings of tiredness and lethargy become more prominent in mid-life and our energy levels can be boosted in order to sustain alertness and improve concentration.

The following tips will assist you to boost energy and banish tiredness.

1. Eat a balanced diet - A nutritional breakfast is a must to sustain energy levels throughout the morning, followed with a high protein lunch containing only a small amount of good quality carbohydrates. High carbs such as white bread or pasta produce sleep inducing hormones which will result in lethargy and bloating in the afternoons.

2. Fresh air - As stale air encourages stagnation, work and sleep in a room where you can open the window. If this is not possible, take short breaks throughout the day and walk outside. Take deep breaths of fresh air to rejuvenate the system.

3. Turn down the heat - Your brain slows down when it gets too warm and in turn promotes tiredness

4. Replace sugary snacks with lean protein - Sugary drinks or snacks will only provide short term energy boosts, but within an hour you will feel even more tired. Try yoghurt, nuts, seeds and fresh fruit instead.

5. Exercise - To feel instantly revived, march on the spot, run up and down stairs, skip or dance for a minute or two. Your circulation will increase oxygen to the brain.

6. Drink two litres of fluid each day - Water is best. Both mental and physical performance is affected when the brain is only 3% dehydrated.

7. Take a short break - Research has shown that many people who take a 5 minute nap or shut eye during the early afternoon, perform better for the rest of the day than those who don't.

8. Supplements - A variety of supplements claim to boost energy levels. Co-enzyme Q10 is good for improving stamina. Acetyl-l-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid taken together may result in increased energy by boosting mitochondria. Some people find taking iron supplements also beneficial.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

5 Natural Energy Boosters: Tips To Feel The Boost

Any discussion of natural energy boosters should first point out the unnatural methods and why they are so bad. Many people turn to caffeine and sugar to give them a quick jolt in energy, but these things will eventually do more harm than good.

Even if you don't experience a "crash" from caffeine or sugar, you are teaching your body to search for these things for energy. Eventually, you will need more sugar or more caffeine just to meet your cravings. This is a potentially dangerous situation and certainly not a healthy way to live.

So here are five natural energy boosters that will wake you up, make you alert, and increase your feeling of well-being without the harmful side-effects:

1. Berries

Berries are quickly becoming nature's golden food. The antioxidants in berries have become the craze of the health food world. But did you know that these things can also give you energy?

Yes, with berries we are talking about natural sugars. This will provide a nice boost in a healthy way. If you're going to have sugar then you might as well also improve your health at the same time. Simply awesome!

2. Citrus

Have you ever taken a good whiff of a citrus fruit? If so, you probably know what a refreshing feeling you get from the scent of a citrus. It certainly does wake you up and get that oxygen flowing through your brain. And it's not just the smell of citrus either that makes it so great as a natural energy booster. These fruits also provide you with natural sugars and a load of vitamin C. This all means a nice boost and health benefits. That's a beautiful thing.

3. Vitamin B12

Yes, vitamin B12 gets a lot of press for its energy boosting capabilities. This hype is well-deserved. Supplementing with vitamin B12 can give you a quick, yet sustained, energy boost without the drawbacks of caffeine. A lot of energy drinks have B12 in them, but why not just get the stuff and combine it with healthy foods for the best of both worlds?

4. Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise literally means "exercise with oxygen". This type of activity forces the body to take in more oxygen. This oxygen cycles through the body, including the brain. This will lead to a heightened sense of well-being and a greater feeling of energy. Running, power-walking, jumping rope, bike riding, are all great forms of aerobic exercise. So if you have enough energy to get up and get moving, you will be greatly rewarded for your efforts.

5. Fresh Air

This is perhaps the easiest and most underrated energy boosting tip. Just get outside and take in a nice big breath of fresh air. This will wake you up and get some good fresh oxygen flowing through your system. Many times this is all you need. So take a break from what you are doing and get some fresh air. Just a few minutes can make a big difference.

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The Health Benefits Of Wheat Grass

When you hear of people drinking juice made from wheat grass, what is your first reaction? If you are like many people you probably turned up your nose and thought 'how disgusting!' However, this healthy juice is growing in popularity and not just among healthy food enthusiasts. So what are the healthy benefits of drinking this juice?

There are many health benefits of this juice that if people only knew, they would likely visit the nearest supermarket and buy wheat grass products immediately. It is a fact that wheat grass is one of the most potently healthy substances available. People who are using this juice have seen an increase in their energy levels. Aside from that, they also notice that they have clearer skin than before. All other illnesses such as coughs and colds also seem to instantly vanish. There are even other people who have testified to the disappearance of their gray hairs.

The many health benefits of wheat grass should be taken advantage of by drinking at least 30mls a day. This 30mls of wheat grass juice is the equivalent to eating 1kg of green, leafy vegetables. This juice is a very good alternative and substitute whenever you are too tired and busy from your work schedules. It is believed that wheat grass also contains over 90 minerals. Aside from that, high concentrations of alkaline minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium are also present in the wheat grass products. These minerals are some of the reasons why drinking this juice is good in keeping the body's immune system strong and healthy.

Other health benefits of this juice include the benefits taken from the presence of essential enzymes needed in order for the body to function more efficiently. Some of these enzymes are as follows: protease - which is needed in the digestion of protein, amylase - which is the one responsible for the facilitation of digestion, cytochrome oxidase - a powerful oxidant needed to fight off harmful radicals in the body. In addition there is transhydrogenese - the enzyme responsible for the strengthening of heart muscle, superoxide dismutase - known for its ability to lessen the effect of radiation and slow down the process of cellular aging, and lipase - which is a fat-splitting enzyme.

In addition to all of these, it is believed that wheat grass essentially has more vitamin C than oranges, which shows that it is a very good alternative to eating several fruits. And perhaps one of the best health benefits of this juice is the fact that it helps build healthy blood. This is very essential because blood carries oxygen from the heart to different parts of the body. By increasing the oxygen transported by the blood, you will feel an increase in your endurance during exercises.

As you can see, wheat grass is one of the superfoods that can help boost your health and give you the energy you need. Plus, it really doesn't taste too bad!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com