It happens to all of us, that moment during a busy day when our energy level plunges and our productivity skids. Before reaching for a sugar-laden soft drink or candy bar, consider one of these natural energy-boosting drinks.
1. Coffee. No list of energy-boosting beverages would be complete without a nod to coffee, the second most popular drink in the U.S. (after soft drinks). Just the smell of a fresh-brewed cup of coffee can be enough to cause us to perk up, but the drink itself, powered by a jolt of caffeine, is one of the quickest and most effective energy boosters around. Coffee has been much maligned because of the supposed negative effect of caffeine on health. However, recent studies suggest that drinking coffee actually may provide significant health benefits, such as reducing the risk of serious diseases like type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, colon cancer, and gallstones. While the jury is still out on the net effect of coffee on health, in moderation, it can be a delicious natural energy drink.
2. Tea. Like coffee, tea contains caffeine (although less than in coffee), which provides a natural energy boost. In addition, studies suggest that tea drinking can be good for your health, in part because it contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help to slow the aging process and support cell regeneration and repair. Reported health benefits of tea drinking include reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers, protecting bones and teeth, and lowering cholesterol .
Drinks, especially smoothies, made from known energy-boosting foods, such as bananas, figs, oatmeal, honey, peanut butter, and chocolate, also can be great antidotes for the mid afternoon energy shortage. Smoothies are quick and easy to make, tasty, and nutritious. Below are four recipes for natural energy-boosting smoothies.
However, part of the pleasure of smoothies is that you can be creative with them, adding or subtracting ingredients to suit your taste, or creating your own recipes using natural energy-boosting ingredients. Smoothies should be enjoyed immediately after preparation.
3. Banana and fig smoothie (from www.chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com). Mix one ripe banana, three or four figs, one tablespoon of honey, and one cup of water in a blender until smooth.
4. Frozen fruit smoothie (from www.soulfoodandsoutherncooking.com). Mix ½ cup each of frozen bananas, peaches and strawberries, two cups of milk, ¼ cup of orange juice, and two tablespoons of honey in a blender until smooth. Try this on a hot summer afternoon.
5. Chocolate peanut butter smoothie (from www.heractivelife.com). Mix 1 ½ cups soy milk, 2 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder or chocolate syrup, one banana, two tablespoons creamy peanut butter, and one tablespoon flax meal (optional) in a blender until smooth. This smoothie is more like a dessert than a drink, but it is a luscious and healthy way to recharge.
6. Cappuccino smoothie (from www.soulfoodandsoutherncooking.com). Mix two cups of brewed double- strength coffee, one pint of homemade coffee ice cream, six cups of ice, and 1 ½ cups of milk in a blender until smooth.
Finally, perhaps the best natural energy-boosting beverage is water. When you are dehydrated, your body works less efficiently, which can lead to fatigue. So be sure to drink plenty of water every day.
Sources:
www.chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com, Homemade drinks for natural energy boost
findarticles.com, Energy-boosting foods, these foods will keep your motor revving all day and all night, Men’s Fitness
