Let’s face it, our lives are busier than ever these days. Our schedules are packed to the max and our to-do lists are overwhelming just looking at them. It is exhausting trying to fit in everything we need to in a day, and the more overwhelmed and stressed you are, the more exhausted and run down you will feel. And the more tired you feel, the less you seem to get done, and it’s just a vicious cycle of exhaustion and low energy. So what can you do to perk yourself up that doesn’t involve endless cups of coffee and the jitteriness that comes with it?
The best thing to do is to make sure your body has what it needs to give you the energy you need to get through each day through diet, exercise (yes, working out will actually give you more energy), and sufficient sleep. Make sure to eat nutritious whole foods and stay away from processed foods (that means avoid ready-made meals and takeout) and get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. All this is easier said than done with our busy lives.
This is where taking energy supplements can help you. And there are many different herbs and vitamins for energy out there. The best supplements for energy are natural, without any preservatives, and give your body what it needs to function. There are many different vitamins and supplements for energy, some sold individually, and some grouped together into one supplement. Below we have listed 10 of the best energy supplements.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogenic herb considered to be one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. As an adaptogen, it helps the body cope with stress. There have been a few scientific studies conducted backing up the anti-stress benefits that have been practiced in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Various studies have shown that people scored better on stress tests after taking Ashwagandha. This is how it helps boost energy. The more stress your body is under, the lower your energy levels are, so being able to help your body deal with this stress makes Ashwagandha one of the best herbs for energy. Studies have also shown that Ashwagandha can help improve memory, which is perfect for remembering everything you need to get done!
Reishi Mushroom
Dubbed the “king of mushrooms”, this edible fungus has been used for thousands of years for its many healing benefits. It is also considered an adaptogen, so it will help your body deal with the effects of stress, one of which is low energy levels. Research has also shown reishi mushrooms to have antioxidant effects which protect the body against infections and also helps strengthen the body’s immune system. When you are feeling run down, your immune system will not be functioning as well as it should and you are more prone to getting sick. Which is why you probably notice you come down with more colds the more stressed you are.
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that the body produces naturally. It is required for the proper functioning of all the body’s cells by creating energy for them to operate and it also helps protect these cells. As we get older, levels of CoQ10 in the body start to decrease, and when levels are low, the cells don’t get what they need to produce energy and function. This means they will have to work harder which leads to fatigue. When consuming CoQ10 in supplement form, the most effective form is that which is derived from ubiquinol. CoQ10 also has many other health benefits such as improving and protecting heart and brain health.
B-Vitamins
B-vitamins are a group of vitamins which are essential for the overall health of the body. These vitamins are not stored by the body as they are water soluble, which means that your body needs to constantly replenish its supply. Not getting enough through your diet can lead to a deficiency, and one of the first things you will notice is low energy and fatigue. Those who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet tend to need supplementation of these vitamins.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba comes from a tree indigenous to China and has been used for thousands of years for many uses. The seeds and the leaves have been popularly used in Chinese medicine but today’s supplements are generally manufactured using a Ginkgo Biloba extract which comes from the leaves of the tree. It contains a high concentration of flavonoids which are plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties. This protects the body against the damaging effects of free radicals which can influence the body’s overall functioning. One of the main benefits Ginkgo Biloba is used for is enhancing cognitive functioning. Studies have shown it to hold potential for improving focus and boosting cognitive performance. Forget the 3pm slump in the office!
Guarana
You’ve probably heard the name of this fruit as the key ingredient in many energy drinks. It is packed with antioxidants and has powerful stimulating properties. In fact, it is said to contain around 5 times more caffeine than coffee beans making it one of the most popular and best energy supplements. Many studies have shown the benefits of guarana for reducing fatigue and improving focus. It has also been shown to help improve memory and learning ability.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a root vegetable that is highly nutritious containing many different vitamins, antioxidants, and it is high in fiber. Its bright color and distinct taste may not make it a favorite among many but this superfood has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to your energy levels and physical endurance. Research has shown that beetroot juice is beneficial for improving stamina and helping the muscles work more efficiently by increasing nitrate levels in the blood. When nitric oxide levels are increased in the body, many biological functions are improved such as improved blood flow and communication between the body’s cells. When the functioning of the body is improved, you won’t feel so tired and will have more energy.
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid which is essential for the manufacturing of certain brain chemicals, making it beneficial for improving mood and also important for inter-cell communication. As an amino acid, it is a building block of protein in the body and so it helps with repairing muscles. Tyrosine is naturally produced in the body and can also be obtained from certain foods such as dairy products and other high-protein foods. It is important for the synthesizing of dopamine (important for memory), adrenaline and noradrenaline (helps the body react to stressful situations), and the thyroid hormones (responsible for many bodily functions, primarily metabolism). The main benefits that research has shown L-Tyrosine to be beneficial for is an improvement in mood, reduction in fatigue, and an improvement in memory and focus.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is another amino acid with many beneficial benefits for the brain such as helping with stress, sleep, memory, and focus. A healthy body that has the energy to accomplish all your daily tasks needs a healthy brain. This amino acid is found in tea and works to both calm and energize the brain and body. It helps to calm you down in the evening so that you can get a good night’s sleep, so there is something to the old wives’ tale of having tea to calm down and decompress after a stressful day or stressful event. When you get a good night’s sleep, you will feel more energized during the day, but L-theanine will also give you that much-needed energy boost in the morning.
Turmeric
You’ve probably heard of this superfood and how adding it to your smoothies can enhance your health tenfold. But there is actual science showing that it has many health benefits to offer, including boosting your energy. Turmeric contains the compound curcumin which studies have shown holds many benefits for mood, memory, concentration, and fatigue. When incorporating turmeric into your diet you will need to consume a lot of it to get these incredible benefits which is why turmeric supplements are a popular choice. Those that include black pepper in their formula make the best supplements as curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body.