What Are the Best Supplements for Energy?
Your energy levels can be maintained through a healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep. But when life gets busy, you may need an extra push to get through the day.
Studies have demonstrated that certain natural supplements can enhance energy and focus. Some of these nutrients also help to reduce stress, boost moods, and enhance productivity.
CoQ10
Feeling low in energy can be a frustrating experience, particularly if you’re trying to accomplish important tasks. Whether you’re working, playing sports or pursuing your dream job, getting enough nutrients in your diet and taking supplements will help keep up with life’s demands.
CoQ10, an antioxidant, plays a major role in providing you with extra energy to get through your day. Not only that, but this naturally occurring nutrient also protects your heart, liver and kidneys from inflammation and oxidative stress.
Normally, the body produces small amounts of CoQ10 on its own; however, with age and disease this production decreases. Though CoQ10 can be found in certain foods, taking a supplement is recommended to make sure you get enough of this essential antioxidant and maintain optimal levels.
Studies have suggested that CoQ10 may benefit those suffering from Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases, as well as heart disease. By reducing oxidative stress and helping restore mitochondrial electron transport chains, this antioxidant may slow the progression of these diseases.
According to a small study, those with high blood pressure who took CoQ10 supplements for four to twelve weeks saw their systolic and diastolic blood pressure decrease.
CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage. This can protect your brain, heart and muscle tissue from conditions like diabetes and cancer.
If you have diabetes, CoQ10 can improve your insulin sensitivity and alleviate some symptoms associated with this disorder, such as persistently high blood sugar. Furthermore, CoQ10 lowers inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).
A randomized trial on obese individuals who weren’t exercising demonstrated that CoQ10 could reduce fatigue. After 24 hours after taking supplements with CoQ10, their C-reactive protein concentrations had significantly decreased following a 3-mile run.
CoQ10 is an essential molecule found in all cells, but primarily concentrated within your mitochondria – the powerhouse of your cells. It plays a major role in producing ATP – the primary source of energy for these organelles.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid produced naturally within your body as well as found in meat, fish and seafood. Unfortunately, the amount of taurine required for optimal health is very low – so supplementation could potentially boost energy production in many ways!
Some studies have demonstrated that taurine can improve exercise performance and endurance by increasing blood flow to muscles. It may also boost fat oxidation – the process of burning stored fat for energy.
Research has also indicated that CBD may be beneficial for heart health, reducing blood pressure by decreasing resistance to blood flow in artery walls and minimizing nerve impulses to the brain that cause high blood pressure. Furthermore, studies have suggested it improves exercise capacity in those with heart failure.
Taurine is best obtained daily through a variety of foods such as meat, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables. Some energy drinks also contain taurine; however these often have excessive caffeine and sugar which do not offer any health advantages.
Supplementally, taurine is typically taken in a powder or capsule form that can be consumed with water or juice. It’s not advised to take supplements as long-term solutions due to potential negative side effects. Studies have indicated that it’s not necessary to consume taurine continuously for performance-boosting effects; rather, taking it 60-120 minutes prior to exercising will maximize its bioavailability and efficiency.
There is some evidence that taurine may help minimize muscle damage and fatigue during workouts. This is likely because it supports fast-twitch muscle fibers’ contractile properties while countering fatigue.
Taurine may help prevent and reduce periodontal disease in some individuals by decreasing oxidative stress in the gums and blood. It may also promote recovery after exercise by speeding up healing processes and aiding your muscles to recover more rapidly.
B-Vitamins
B-Vitamins are a group of water soluble vitamins essential for optimal cell function. These include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) pantothenic acid (B5) pyridoxine (B6) biotin folic acid and cobalamin (B12).
Vitamins B6 and E are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, cardiovascular health and proper neurotransmitter production in the brain. Furthermore, these vitamins aid with cellular metabolism, energy production and red blood cell formation.
B-Vitamins are commonly found in many foods, but some people may have difficulty digesting or absorbing them properly. Therefore, taking a B-Vitamin supplement is recommended if your diet isn’t providing enough.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in red blood cell production and nerve function. It’s also essential for converting protein and fat into energy, something commonly found in fortified cereals and other food items.
It is believed that vitamin B1 can increase energy levels by helping your body convert nutrients into usable energy and increasing oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise. Furthermore, research suggests it may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by decreasing homocysteine levels in blood.
Athletes often require higher levels of B vitamins since they use carbohydrates and fats to generate energy during workouts. This is especially important for athletes who engage in high-intensity training methods like running or weightlifting, since these activities require a great deal of energy to complete.
To guarantee you’re getting enough of these essential vitamins, aim for a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. This means incorporating lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, leafy greens and legumes into your meals.
Additionally, it’s wise to limit alcohol and certain medications which can deplete your vitamin B stores. Finally, consult with a doctor or dietitian for guidance on the right supplements that best suit your needs.
Vitamins B6 and C can be found naturally in some fruits, vegetables, meats and whole grains as well as fortified foods. However, some supplements exist that provide higher concentrations than what would normally be found from natural sources.
Green Tea
Green tea has been around for millennia, and it’s renowned for its antioxidant power. Additionally, it contains natural sources of caffeine which can provide you with an energy boost when needed. Not only does green tea reduce jitteriness and fatigue, but it can also improve energy levels over time.
Green tea’s health benefits can be attributed to catechins and polyphenols found in its leaves, particularly EGCG (Euterpean Glutamate). Studies have linked it to various benefits like reduced inflammation and heart disease risk factors.
EGCG has antioxidant properties and may promote good health by scavenging free radicals that cause inflammation and illness, keeping them away from vital organs and tissues.
Green tea contains quercetin, another key antioxidant found in the beverage. This compound helps protect your body from toxins and may even be used to treat certain forms of asthma. Furthermore, quercetin acts as an anti-inflammatory by targeting mast cells – responsible for many allergic reactions – which help combat allergies.
Additionally, L-theanine, a compound in tea, can be beneficial to those suffering from sleep issues or anxiety. It helps relax your nervous system and boosts serotonin production – an antidepressant chemical that encourages relaxation.
Natural weight loss aid: Tea has antioxidants which may prevent you from gaining weight and stimulate fat breakdown for energy in your body.
Studies have demonstrated that drinking green tea can boost metabolism and cause weight loss in the short term, as well as reduce your risk for diabetes.
The antioxidants present in tea have been linked to a lower risk of cancer and other illnesses. They work by keeping special cells called stem cells balanced, so your body produces new cells when necessary – helping keep you healthy overall.
Men have also been linked to a lower risk of esophageal and lung cancers. While the exact reason why is unclear, some speculate it may be due to its ability to strengthen immunity and protect against infection. Furthermore, research suggests it shields cells from UVB rays – the kind responsible for skin cancer – damage.