Energize Your Body With These Foods Instead of Coffee

Coffee is the only thing that keeps you going in your daily life, where almost 10 times your mind says, “I can’t take it anymore.” You just got back from your lunch break and as soon as you get back to work, your eyes start to close and there you are, sleepy and tired. Enter coffee, which works as the only energy booster that helps you maintain your energy to survive the remaining shift. And oh, that cup of coffee for mid-work pressure when you can’t seem to complete a task and the deadline is fast approaching. Coffee provides you with instant energy and helps you maintain your mental health throughout your stressful times.

But what is the reason for this instant energy after drinking a cup of coffee? To understand this, the OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Sadeq Qureshi, Psychiatrist, Prerna Hospital, Aurangabad.

According to Dr. Qureshi, a cup of coffee generates energy through the stimulating action of caffeine on the central nervous system (CNS). Caffeine acts as a CNS stimulant by antagonizing adenosine receptors in the brain. He also stated that caffeine increases the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, leading to the potential for addiction.

Why coffee is not a healthy choice

Coffee contains caffeine, the factor that generates instant energy in us. Now while working we have to increase our energy and avoid sleep and fatigue to meet deadlines and we consume coffee cup after cup. But is it good for your health? A big NO. Caffeine can lead to anxiety, insomnia, heartburn, and more. Dr. Qureshi said that excessive caffeine consumption can lead to various neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Also read: Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is bad for your health: myth or reality?

Foods Other Than Coffee That Provide Energy

Like coffee, other foods may not provide you with instant energy, but these foods can provide you with optimal energy and are much healthier options than coffee.

white cheese

Curd contains protein and is full of vitamins and minerals that help keep your body strong. Being a probiotic, curd helps you increase your energy levels. An Oxford study suggests that, thanks to its richness, curd facilitates energy balance.

Foods rich in iron

Foods like spinach, beans, fish and legumes are rich sources of iron. A study suggests that iron is helpful in increasing your energy levels and immune system because it helps with the absorption of vitamin C and relieves fatigue and mood.

Also read: Iron deficiency anemia in children: symptoms, causes and treatment

Oats

Oats are high in fiber and carbohydrates, making them the best choice for breakfast. The high vitamin B content in oats helps increase the body’s energy levels.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits and kiwis contain high amounts of vitamin C which helps boost our body’s immunity and energy levels.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein and fat. The vitamin B content of egg is rich in thiamine, riboflavin and folate, which help provide energy to the body.

Conclusion

All of the foods mentioned above contain abundant nutrients that help nourish your body and increase your energy levels. But moderation is key. Excessive consumption of anything would have adverse effects on your health.