Superfoods To Boost Mood & Energy Levels
Superfoods are especially rich in nutrients and other health-promoting compounds like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. Many have been recognized for their nourishing and medicinal effects.
Here are the best superfoods to eat to boost your mood and energy levels:
Maca Powder
Maca is a complete protein and rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and other essential vitamins and minerals. It provides an energy boost, but is not a stimulant like caffeine, so it won't leave you feeling anxious and jittery. Maca is an adaptogen, meaning that it adapts to what the body needs and has a balancing effect. It helps maintain equilibrium, balance stress levels and may help with hormone balance.
Cacao Powder
Cacao is high in minerals, flavonoids, and other health-promoting antioxidants. It's also high in insoluble fiber assocaited with reduced diabetes risk. Research has shown that cacao can help protect the aging brain, protect nerves from inflammation and injury, and help lower blood pressure and heart disease risk. If you're trying to cut back on caffeine but get a boost of energy, theobromine in cacao has a stimulant effect that's gentler than that of caffeine.
Goji Berries
Goji berries are high in vitamins, trace minerals, and antioxidants. They are also a good source of carbohydrates for energy and amino acids to help meet the body's protein needs. Recent studies show that goji berry extract can alleviate low-level anxiety and depression.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are high in fiber, vitamins minerals, and antioxidants. Additional studies are needed, but research has shown promising results in their ability to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, depression, and anxiety. Chia seeds are considered a complete protein because they deliver all nine of the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce. Plus, their high fiber content helps you stay regular and might help you feel full longer.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a great source of vitamin E, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and other minerals. They're high in fiber and protein too! Plus, hemp seeds have omega-3 and omega-6 fatty accids, which are essential for heart and brain health, immune system support, energy production, and more.
