Today, many individuals are living in the fast lane and fueling their hectic lifestyles with energy drinks to improve peak performance and unleash our full potential. Products marked with the “energy” label include shots, drink mixes, packaged beverages, and caffeinated soft drinks.
While energy drinks can provide you with that much-needed boost, these beverages offer temporary effects and are typically packed with large amounts of caffeine along with sugar and other harmful additives. So, when you are facing low energy and need a boost, how can you have enough power to stay alert without the negative side effects? You might want to think twice before reaching for beverages like Monster and Red Bull. Instead, try these five healthy alternatives that can help to stay awake and enhance your energy levels.
Green Tea
Green tea includes less caffeine than an equivalent volume of coffee while containing antioxidants and minerals that are good for your health, making it a great energy drink alternative. Aside from energy boost, intake of green tea can help to decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer, improve mental clarity and performance. Make sure to opt for organic teas, which may taste better and have much-reduced levels of pesticides.
Pour boiling water over one teaspoon of green tea leaves for a hot drink and two teaspoons for iced tea. Let it brew for up to 5 minutes and enjoy your energising drink!
CBD Oil
This natural alternative can not only ensure energy boost but also offer various health benefits. Although using CBD oil for anxiety is one of the most common reasons why people tend to seek help from CBD benefits, cannabidiol (short for CBD) is a well-known remedy intended to relieve symptoms of most physical and mental disorders. CBD in the form of hemp energy drink or in any other form can help to alleviate pain, enhance energy, concentration and mood, promote better quality sleep, and even improve skin condition.
Positive CBD effects are caused by interaction with the endocannabinoid system involved in vital body processes such as appetite, stress, inflammation, sleep, memory, immune response, etc. By influencing special receptors intake of CBD oil can help to ensure all functions are in balance. You can either purchase ready-made drinks infused with different CBD concentrations or buy CBD oil and add a few drops to beverages of your choice.
Ginseng Tea
Ginseng tea helps to deliver the potential benefits of ginseng root, like an improved immune system and digestion, stress relief, and disease-fighting antioxidants. What's more, it might help to prevent cancer and Alzheimer's disease, relieve muscle pain, and bring relaxation, among other advantages. Even though ginger contains no caffeine, and thus can't provide an immediate energy boost, its health benefits may be useful for maintaining your energy levels and staying healthy in the long term.
Depending on how spicy you want to get ginger tea, brew it for at least 5 minutes or longer. You can enjoy it both cold or hot and also add mint leaves, honey, lemon, or other herbs to boost your brew.
Smoothies
The dark leafy greens such as spinach, parsley, arugula, kale, and broccoli used in green drinks are a high source of B vitamins needed for the body metabolism to run at its peak. Fresh, green juices and smoothies are also loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients that can help you feel full and stay awake.
There are various recipes available online that will appeal to every palate. But you can try to add nuts, seeds, and berries to boost protein and antioxidants levels to sustain your energy levels and please the sweet tooth.
Coconut Water
Deeply nourishing and tasty, coconut water is an all-natural energy booster due to its high levels of vitamins, minerals, and potassium, which will bring energy and recharge your system. It's also beneficial for hydrating the body, which is vital for the body and brain to get ready for the day. The simplest way to find coconut water is to purchase it in grocery stores or get the water directly from the coconut.
