5 Unique All-Natural Energy Sources
We’ve all had our go-to energy drink or food source we take to help with our daily slumps or overall fatigue. However, many of these sources are not natural, make our blood sugar spike, and are all-around unhealthy. If you’ve ever tried to read the ingredient list on the back of your favorite soda or energy drink you’ll know just how unnatural it really is!
Developing habits of high-sugar consumption and artificial energy can be both addictive and harmful.
We decided to put together a list of a few alternative solutions for your mid-day (or exercise) energy crises. Here are a few all-natural energy sources you can begin trying today!
Today we're talking about EGCG, Caffeine, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Manganese, and BCAAs
1. EGCG
Epigallocatechin Gallate or EGCG has been linked to a decrease in inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to fatigue, so decreasing it can help you avoid feeling sluggish after a workout and can increase your overall energy levels. EGCG is typically extracted from green tea leaves and is an all-natural energy source. It can also be found in fruits such as cranberries, strawberries, and apples as well as in nuts like pecans and pistachios.
Because of its natural and unique ability to reduce fatigue and increase energy, we’ve added it to our Perk Energy. In addition to the caffeine included, EGCG helps give you the extra early-day boost you need without loads of unhealthy sugar. Perk’s Energy will be a great addition to your morning routine.
2. Caffeine
Sometimes we associate caffeine with unnatural energy because the role it plays in energy drinks and sugary sodas. Caffeine is actually found in nature in over 60 different plant species. Coffee, tea, and cocoa are among the most common. If caffeine is used properly it can be a safe and effective way to get an energy boost. Experts recommend staying under 400 mg of caffeine each day. Perk Energy is loaded with 100 mg of caffeine so you’ll have plenty of wiggle room within your daily caffeine budget.
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are found primarily in fatty fish like salmon or tuna. Omega 3 fatty acids have a wide variety of positive health effects. In addition to helping fight depression, menstrual pain, and asthma, Omega 3s may also be effective as an energy source. Energy from Omega 3s is mainly derived from a decrease in inflammation.
Not to mention, as you eat your salmon or tuna, you’re getting a great deal of healthy protein! Omega 3 fatty acids via fish are a great unique source of natural energy and can become, for you, a healthy post-workout staple.
4. Manganese
Foods like clams, whole grains, legumes, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes have a trace mineral known as manganese. Manganese has a number of uses including the regulation of blood sugar. Because it helps regulate blood sugar, it can help keep energy levels from dipping throughout the day. If you have a long day ahead of you try eating a sweet potato early on. In addition to the manganese, you’ll also see beneficial effects from the complex carbohydrates and fiber contained inside the potato allowing you to keep your energy levels constant!
5. BCAAs
BCAAs or Branched Chain Amino Acids can have many positive effects. BCAAs are found naturally in foods high in protein like eggs, meat, and dairy. The branched chain amino acids are three of the essential amino acids. Essential refers to the fact that your body cannot produce these amino acids on its own. Positive effects that have been studied relative to BCAA consumption include increased muscle growth and maintenance and a reduction in post-workout soreness.
So how do the BCAAs increase energy?
BCAAs have been shown to have a link to a decrease in fatigue during and after workouts. During exercise your body uses up BCAAs as fuel. As BCAA levels drop, tryptophan will rise, and eventually the chemical serotonin will as well. Serotonin is thought to be a factor in workout fatigue. Increasing your intake of BCAAs for workouts may actually keep you feeling energized and lead to better results.
To try out BCAAs and see how they affect your exercises, check out our Do Work BCAAs+. Do Work BCAAs+ is a supplement rich with essential amino acids and is sugar-free and keto-friendly!
Conclusion
Whether you notice your tiredness after a grueling workout in the gym or simply a monotonous meeting at work, try to go without that soda! Give one of our blends a try and notice the difference all-natural energy can make!