There are all kinds of foods that can give you a natural boost of energy when you need it, including bananas. These foods represent a safe and effective way to increase energy, without the side affects that often come from the many energy drinks that are on the market today. One of those foods is bananas.Yes, bananas contain glucose which the body turns into energy. Bananas also contain a natural form of sugar called glucose which is often used as a sugar substitute by those needing to watch their sugar intake. Bananas are a preferred food for bodybuilders because they contain potassium which helps muscles contract.
But there are lots of other foods that give energy. Here is a short list:
Pumpkin Seeds - contain magnesium which converts food into energy. Magnesium is also known to help prevent migraine headaches.
Watermelon - full of B-vitamins, potassium and fructose--all of which boost energy.
Apples - also have fructose, in addition to fiber and vitamin C.
Leafy Greens - eating a salad is great for energy. Leafy greens are full of vitamins C and A for energy and also contain a form of vitamin B called folate which is known to help with depression. Folate can be found in spinach, broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts and lettuce.
Nuts - contain lots of protein for energy. Nuts like walnuts, cashews, almonds and pecans are great foods for energy.
Eggs - contain protein, B-vitamins and iron and are a powerful source of energy.
Lean Meats - like skinless chicken and turkey also contain B-vitamins and protein for energy.
Red Bell Peppers - one red bell pepper alone contains 380 percent of daily recommended levels of vitamin C, and vitamin C helps fight fatigue.
Other foods known to increase energy include dark chocolate, which can increase blood flow to the brain for 2-3 hours, black or green tea which contains an amino acid called L-theanine that increases alertness (also contains caffeine), and good old coffee, probably one of the most commonly used beverages to increase energy and alertness.
So, before grabbing a pricey energy drink whose ingredients are not known and that can have bad side affects, grab a banana or any of a wide variety of foods that naturally and safely boost energy.
