The Natural Energy Boosters

I sometime hope I am like that rabbit in the Duracell battery commercial where it keeps going and going and going. Just like any other mortals out there, I also conk out and when it happens, there is not much I can do but rest and take a nap.

There are actually natural foods out there that can help us energize. Some of these foods like apples, sesame seeds, avocado, lean meats from chicken and turkey, fish, tofu, eggs and plenty of water to hydrate yourself.

Studies show that food sources of quercetin (a plant-based phytochemical linked to athletic endurance) can boost your energy levels.

Foods rich in magnesium can turn the food that you eat as natural energy boosters that the body can utilize.

Also, complex carbs can be eaten as they are slowly digested and can prolong your energy level. Complex carbs are foods rich in fiber like beans, brown rice, whole-grain breads, brussels sprouts and other leafy vegetables.

So, the next time you feel weary and need a perk-me-up food, grab some fruits and snack on fresh vegetables for a quick energy boost.

Chia Seeds - Small Seed With A Punch of Health Benefits

Chia seeds are slightly smaller than the sesame seeds. It is also known as Salvia Hispanica which is a part of the mint family, the Lamiacaea which is native to Guatemala and Mexico.

This tiny seed is cultivated for commercial use because of its high level of nutritional value. It has calcium, protein, manganese and phosphorus. Aside from the nutrients, it also has plenty of health benefits like:

• It is a good source of plant's Omega fatty acid oil. 
• It is hydrophilic which means, it absorbs more water than their weight making you feel fuller. This is great for athletes as it helps them stay hydrated.
• It aids in weight loss for dieters as chia seeds have the ability to block calories in our digestive system because it gels. And when it gels, it helps in blocking absorption of calories.
• It also provides antioxidant properties.

Healthy Snack Combo

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If you love eating chips and wash it down with soda then you're doing more harm to your body aside from putting bad stuff in your system.

Here's a quick tip to keep your snacking on the right track - ditch the bad combination of soda and chips and replace it with this fruit and healthy beverage: apple and a glass of skim milk.

An apple is rich in fiber and skim milk in protein. Protein will sustain your energy longer and can alleviate hunger for a couple of hours.

Health Benefits of Eating Cherry

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The red and tart cherry has a number of health benefits. Cherries are natural source of the hormone melatonin which is a strong antioxidant. It also contains phenolic compounds that helps protect neurodegeneration.

Cherries have high contents of anthocynanins which help reduces inflammation. Daily consumption of cherries reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. These succulent fruits are also great in aiding sleep and preventing memory loss.  It is also high in fiber so it reduces the risk of colon and rectal cancer and other diseases relative to the digestive tract.

Health Nut - Food for the Heart

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Eating green salad with a healthy drizzle of olive oil is a good lunch meal for the heart. Aside from the green salad, here are more food to consider adding in your palate for a healthy heart:

1. Fruits like strawberries, cranberries, red grapes, oranges and plums (among a few)

These fruits are rich in flavonoids which is are great antioxidants in helping minimize inflammation. Inflammation is one of the bad processes that can happen to your heart. To avoid that, have a hearty-full serving of colorful fruits.

2. Avocado

Although is also a fruit, it is rich in fats that are helpful in lessening the bad cholesterol. Have this though in moderation as you would taking fats.

3. Rye, Wheat, Multi-Grain breads

These breads are rich in fiber and magnesium. Fiber aids in lessening hypertension.

4. Salmon

This deep-sea fish is a good source of omega fatty acids which help lower bad cholesterol and keep blood pressure within range. It is also a healthy source of protein.

5. Nuts

Nuts such as almonds, pistachios and walnuts are loaded with heart-friendly fats. Substitute your chips with a palm-sized serving of these nuts instead.