27 Foods That Can Give You More Energy

Eggs are not only a tremendously satisfying food, but they can also provide energy to fuel your day. Eggs are packed with protein, which can give you a steady and sustained source of energy because it does not cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin when it is digested.

Additionally, leucine is the most abundant amino acid in eggs, and is known to stimulate energy production in several ways. Leucine can help cells take in more blood sugar, stimulate the production of energy in the cells and increase the breakdown of fat to produce energy. Moreover, eggs are rich in B vitamins. These vitamins help enzymes perform their role in the processes of breaking down food for energy.

7. Apples

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and are a good source of carbs and fiber. A medium-sized apple (185 grams) contains about 25 grams of carbs, 19 grams of sugar and up to 4 grams of fiber.

Due to their rich content of natural sugars and fiber, apples can provide a slow and sustained energy release. Furthermore, apples have a high antioxidant content. Research has shown that antioxidants could slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, so they release energy over a more extended period of time.

Lastly, it is recommended to eat apples whole. Juices and purees, from which fiber is removed, are ingested faster and can only provide you with quickly digested energy.

8. Water

Water is essential for life. It represents up to 60% of your body weight and is involved in many cellular functions, including energy production. Not drinking enough water may lead to dehydration, which can slow down body functions, leaving you feeling sluggish and tired.

Drinking water could give you a boost of energy and help fight off feelings of fatigue. You can avoid dehydration by drinking water even if you are not thirsty. Try to drink water regularly throughout the day.

9. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content than regular or milk chocolate. The antioxidants in cocoa have been shown to have many health benefits, such as increasing blood flow throughout the body. This effect helps the delivery of oxygen to the brain and muscles, which improves their functions. This can be especially helpful during exercise.

Additionally, the increase of blood flow produced by antioxidants in cocoa could help reduce mental fatigue and improve mood. Dark chocolate also contains stimulatory compounds such as theobromine and caffeine, which have been shown to enhance mental energy and mood.

10. Yerba Maté

Yerba maté is a drink made from the dried leaves of a plant native to South America. It has been shown to have many health benefits. Yerba maté contains antioxidants and caffeine. A regular 8-ounce cup can offer about 85 mg of caffeine, which is similar to the amount in a small cup of coffee.

The caffeine in yerba maté promotes the production of the hormone epinephrine, which increases energy. However, unlike other stimulants, yerba maté does not seem to affect blood pressure or heart rate. Animal and human research has suggested that yerba maté may enhance mental focus, memory, mood and even physical activity.

11. Goji Berries

Goji berries have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries due to their multiple benefits. Besides being packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, this fruit is known to be a good source of fiber. Research has suggested that goji berry juice could provide antioxidant protection, assist with mental performance and alertness, and help decrease feelings of fatigue.

Additionally, goji berries are rich in fiber. A one-ounce serving (28 grams) provides 2 grams of fiber. This could help slow down digestion and release energy slowly.Goji berries are easy to enjoy mixed in yogurt, smoothies, baked goods and sauces. Or you can simply eat them raw.

12. Quinoa

Quinoa is a seed popular for its high protein content. One cup of quinoa provides 39 grams of carbs, 5 grams of dietary fiber, 8 grams of protein and a significant amount of vitamins and minerals. Even though this superfood is high in carbohydrates, it has a low glycemic index, which indicates that its carbs are absorbed slowly and can provide sustained energy release.

Additionally, quinoa provides more than 20% of the RDI for manganese, magnesium and folate. All of these nutrients are used by enzymes in the process of producing energy.

13. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a whole-grain cereal that could provide you with long-lasting energy.It contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that forms a thick gel when combined with water. The presence of this gel in the digestive system delays stomach emptying and the absorption of glucose into the blood.

Furthermore, oats are rich in vitamins and minerals that help the energy production process. These include B vitamins, iron and manganese. The combination of all these nutrients makes oatmeal a perfect food for sustained energy release.

14. Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent snack to fuel up your day. The carbs in yogurt are mainly in the form of simple sugars, such as lactose and galactose. When broken down, these sugars can provide ready-to-use energy.

Additionally, yogurt is packed with protein, which helps slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, thereby slowing down the release of sugars into the blood.

Moreover, yogurt contains great amounts of vitamins B2 and B12, which are involved in cellular functions. They aid the formation of the molecule ATP, which your cells use for fuel.

15. Hummus

Hummus is made with chickpeas, sesame seed paste, oil and lemon. The combination of these ingredients makes hummus a good source of energy. Chickpeas in hummus are a good source of complex carbs and fiber that the body uses for steady energy.

In addition, the sesame seed paste and oil in hummus contains healthy fats. These ingredients are also helpful at slowing down the absorption of carbs, which helps you avoid blood sugar spikes. You can enjoy hummus as a dip for veggies or in combination with other dishes such as sandwiches or salads.

16. Edamame

Edamame can be an easy and satisfying pick-me-up snack. It is relatively low in calories, but offers significant amounts of protein, carbs and fiber. Just one cup of edamame can pack up to 17 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbs and about 8 grams of fiber.

Additionally, it has high amounts of vitamins and minerals that can help increase energy in different ways. One cup of edamame provides 79% of the RDI for manganese and 121% of the RDI for folic acid. Folic acid works with iron to promote energy and fight off fatigue and anemia, while manganese helps generate energy from the breakdown of carbs and protein.

Lastly, edamame contains great amounts of molybdenum, which acts as a stimulus for enzymes and assists in the breakdown of nutrients for energy.

17. Lentils

Besides being a great and inexpensive source of protein, lentils are a good source of nutrients and help boost energy levels. Lentils are legumes that are rich in carbs and fiber. One cup of cooked lentils provides up to 40 grams of carbs and about 16 grams of fiber. The fiber in lentils promotes slow stomach emptying and more controlled increases in blood sugar levels. Therefore, you will not only feel full for longer after you eat them, but you can also expect steady energy levels.

Additionally, lentils can increase your energy levels by replenishing your stores of folate, manganese, zinc and iron. These nutrients assist in the effective production of energy in cells and breakdown of nutrients for the release of energy.

18. Avocados

Avocados are considered to be a superfood because of all their significant health benefits. For example, they’re rich in healthy fats and fiber. About 84% of the healthy fats in avocados come from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These healthy fats have been shown to promote optimal blood fat levels and enhance the absorption of nutrients. They can also be stored in the body and used as energy sources.

Additionally, the fiber in avocados accounts for 80% of their carbohydrate content, which can help maintain steady energy levels. Furthermore, avocados are a good source of B vitamins, which are required for the optimal function of the mitochondria in your cells, where cellular energy is produced.

19. Oranges

Oranges are famous for their high vitamin C content. One orange can provide as much as 106% of the RDI for vitamin C. Additionally, oranges contain antioxidant compounds that can provide protection from oxidative stress. Research has shown that oxidative stress could promote feelings of fatigue. Therefore, the antioxidant protection provided by compounds in oranges may be able to help decrease fatigue. In fact, one study showed that 13 women who consumed 17 ounces (500 ml) of orange juice and did one hour of aerobic training three times a week for three months saw decreases in muscle fatigue and experienced improvements in physical performance.

20. Strawberries

Strawberries are another good energy-boosting fruit. They can provide you with carbs, fiber and sugars that can enhance energy levels. One cup of strawberries provides 12 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber and 7 grams of sugar.

Additionally, this same portion will give you 149% of the RDI for vitamin C. Besides helping fight inflammation in the body, the antioxidants in strawberries may help fight fatigue and give you energy. You can incorporate strawberries in many recipes, and use them in smoothies, parfaits or salads.

21. Seeds

Seeds, such as chia seeds, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds, could also increase your energy levels. These seeds are generally high in plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to increased inflammation and fatigue. Fatty acids are also an important source of stored energy and help your cells function properly.

Moreover, seeds are a good source of fiber and protein. The fiber in seeds contributes to the slow digestion of the nutrients, resulting in a steady, sustained release of energy.

22. Beans

Beans are rich in nutrients and a great source of natural energy. Even though there are hundreds of different types of beans, their nutrient profiles are very similar. They are a rich source of carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Beans are digested slowly, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and gives you steady energy. Additionally, beans contain antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and promote energy.

Black beans and black-eyed peas are among the most famous kinds of beans. These beans are good sources of folic acid, iron, manganese and magnesium, which are involved in energy production and help with the delivery of energy to every cell in the body.

23. Green Tea

Green tea is famous for its long list of health benefits. It has a high concentration of powerful antioxidants that can help prevent oxidative stress and inflammation. Similar to coffee, green tea contains caffeine, which can increase energy levels. However, green tea also contains a compound called L-theanine.

L-theanine can moderate the effects of caffeine, such as anxiety and the jitters, and it produces a smoother boost of energy. Research has shown that the combination of caffeine and L-theanine in green tea can increase focus, alertness and mental concentration. Moreover, green tea can be a good energy booster for physical activity because it can decrease fatigue by increasing the breakdown of fat and the release of the hormone norepinephrine.

24. Nuts

Nuts can be a great snack packed with nutrients to promote energy. Most nuts like almonds, walnuts and cashews are known for their high calories and abundance of proteins, carbs and healthy fats. These nutrients can provide you with a slow release of energy during the day. They are also high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants that can increase energy levels and help with inflammation and antioxidant protection.

Additionally, these nuts provide decent amounts of carbs and fiber for a steady and sustained energy boost. Nuts also contain other vitamins and minerals, such as manganese, iron, B vitamins and vitamin E. These can help increase energy production and decrease tiredness.

25. Popcorn

Popcorn can be an excellent low-calorie, energizing snack. It’s high in carbs and fiber, which can make it very satisfying and a good option for an energy-boosting snack. A 100-gram serving of air-popped popcorn provides 78 grams of carbs and a whopping 15 grams of fiber, which makes popcorn one of the highest-fiber foods there is. Therefore, it could provide a steady release of energy. Popcorn can be a healthy food when it’s cooked with wholesome ingredients using the air-pop cooking method.

26. Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, are excellent sources of nutrients that promote energy. They are high in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A, C, E and K. Additionally, they are packed with folic acid, fiber and antioxidants that provide health benefits.

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are excellent sources of iron to replenish your body’s stores, and of vitamin C to enhance the absorption of iron in the body.

Iron enhances the production of red blood cells for the efficient delivery of oxygen to your cells, which is known to fight fatigue. Furthermore, leafy green vegetables may also enhance the formation of nitric oxide, which helps the blood vessels widen for better blood flow through the body.

27. Beets

Beets have gained popularity recently due to their ability to improve energy and stamina. Studies have shown that beetroot may be able to improve blood flow due to its antioxidant content and naturally occurring nitrates.

As with leafy green vegetables, nitrates are compounds that help increase nitric oxide and improve blood flow throughout the body, allowing more oxygen delivery to tissues. This has the ability to increase energy levels, especially for athletic performance. Additionally, beets are packed with carbs, fiber and sugar for a sustained energy boost. One cup of beets (136 grams) could provide up to 3.8 grams of fiber and 9.2 grams of natural sugars.

The Bottom Line

There is an abundant variety of foods that can help boost your energy. Whether they are packed with carbs for readily available energy, or fiber and protein for a slower release of energy, these foods can help increase your power and stamina.

Additionally, many of these foods also contain significant amounts of other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

All of these compounds have been shown to be involved in the production of energy within your cells, and they all provide many other health benefits. If you want more energy, incorporating these foods into your diet is a great place to start.

Source: Health Line