Natural Energy Boosters in Functional Foods and Supplements

Before the pandemic, Americans were already experiencing dangerous levels of fatigue. In 2017, the National Safety Council conducted a survey and found startling results. 43% of Americans report that they don’t get enough sleep to do their jobs safely. The most astonishing result was that 97% of Americans had at least one of the nine leading risk factors for fatigue, such as working long shifts without a break. According to a recent survey, two years into the pandemic, energy levels are diving even lower. If you’re feeling tired these days, you aren’t alone. 3 out of 5 U.S. adults report feeling more tired than ever before and blame the pandemic and schedules. This epidemic of fatigue is leading more people to reach for natural energy boosters, like functional foods and supplements, to give them the energy they need to function.

What are Natural Energy Boosters?

Natural energy boosters are foods often concentrated in supplement form and nutritional and herbal supplements. These functional foods or supplements nourish your body and give it natural energy. A salad filled with lean protein like chicken or nuts, greens, and dried fruits could be a natural energy booster since the quality nutrients give your body good fuel to burn. Natural caffeine is a natural energy booster and can be found in coffee or tea. Supplements are often concentrated food, like a ginger capsule or tincture, or made from vitamins and minerals. There are a plethora of natural energy boosters out there, and with some experimentation, you’re sure to find some that work for your body.

How Can I Incorporate Natural Energy Boosters as Functional Foods or Supplements?

1. Gingko Biloba

Gingko biloba is a revered herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is used to boost circulation in general, but specifically to the brain, and protects the cardiovascular system. Gingko Biloba improves symptoms of depression and supports cognitive function. 

2. Natural Caffeine

Caffeine has been used in many forms by humans for thousands of years. Natural caffeine is a natural energy booster most often found in tea, coffee, and other plants. Additionally, there are many health benefits associated with caffeinated plants, such as tea’s high levels of antioxidants. Skip the powdered caffeine and reach for tea, coffee, or yerba mate and gain the remarkable health benefits of those plants. 

3. B Vitamins

B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that play essential roles in brain health and energy production. B vitamins are best taken as a group to get the most benefits. Energy production in your body is a complicated process, and B vitamins are there every step of the way.

4. Dark Chocolate

While generally considered a treat, dark chocolate has many health benefits, including boosting energy and lifting your mood. With its high levels of antioxidants, chocolate supports your circulatory system and may support a healthy response to inflammation. The study acknowledges that while excessively eating chocolate does pose risks for weight gain, chocolate’s overall benefits outweigh the risks. This study shows that regularly eating chocolate reduces anxiety and improves energy levels.

5. Iron

Iron is an essential mineral for energy because it helps the blood carry oxygen to the rest of the body. While many people get enough iron from their diets, athletes, young children, women, and vegetarians may benefit from iron supplements or eating iron-rich foods. Women who have fatigue may benefit from an iron supplement, even if their blood levels show them to be non-anemic. A study showed that 12 weeks of iron supplementation decreased fatigue by almost 50% in iron deficient but not anemic menstruating women.

6. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

A holy herb in Ayurvedic Indian herbal medicine, Tulsi promotes well-being and resilience. When a root cause of fatigue for many people is excessive stress, holy basil steps in to offer a helping hand by helping your body handle the effects of stress. Holy basil has been extensively studied and is anti-microbial, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic, to name just a few. All of these properties combine to help the body and mind cope with mental and emotional stress and help to restore healthy psychological functioning.

Seattle Gummy Company (SGC) Natural Energy Boosters

Boost your energy, naturally, with SGC’s gluten-free, plant-based and non-GMO energy gummies. With various natural energy boosters like B Vitamins, ginkgo biloba, dark chocolate, and natural caffeine, the non-melting Mocca Shot energy gummy is ready whenever you need a boost. With SGC’s patented gummy technology, they can add the highest amounts of functional ingredients to their gummies out of any functional gummy on the market. This means that you naturally get the energy boost you need when you need it. Try one of the Mocca Shot’s seven delicious flavors, including the sugar-free Dark Chocolate Strawberry Mocca Shot. Choose from Dutch Chocolate, Salted Caramel Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Orange, Dark Chocolate Raspberry, and Red Hot Chili Pepper.