Our body needs the energy to function, and this isn’t limited to the food we eat but can also be gotten from the drinks we consume. For every activity done, humans are dependent on the amount of energy we have. Apart from the nourishment and satisfaction that drinks can give us, they also contain elements that give us the needed strength to carry on with our daily activities.
You should be intentional about the drinks you take so as to enhance your gut health and energy level. There are certain drinks that you should stay away from, while there are drinks that you should store up in your refrigerator. Here are some drinks that you should keep close to you so as to up your energy game.
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MatchaBar Hustle Energy
This energy drink is a product that has fruit juice, green tea extract, and ceremonial grade matcha, with each can containing 120 mg and 40 calories of caffeine. According to a study by Christina Dietz, there is evidence suggesting that matcha powder helps to enhance attention and certain aspects of memory. Even the better superfood powder, Athletic Greens, has similar attributes that can elevate your energy levels. In another review, it’s reported that green tea extract has some benefits such as bodyweight reduction, antioxidant effects, and shielding against deteriorating conditions.
Orange Juice
Next on the list is orange juice which is quite rich in vitamin C. As a matter of fact, just 1 cup, which is about 240 mL, provides 93% of the Daily Value. Typically, vitamin C provides neuroprotective benefits. A review of 50 human studies saw those with high blood levels of vitamin C or a higher intake with improved attention, language scores, and memory compared to those with low vitamin C levels.
Nonetheless, the disadvantages of orange juice kind of outweigh its advantages because it is sugary. The juice is higher in calories than the fruit itself. High-added sugar intake has been linked to different illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
So, a much better way one can benefit from this vitamin is to go ahead and eat an actual orange or extract the juice from it. The fruit has lower calories and sugar. It is also high in fiber than orange juice. You then still get to enjoy 77% DV for vitamin C.
Runa Energy Drink
Runa actually has ten calories alongside 150 mg of caffeine. According to the manufacturers, it only contains seven ingredients which include brewed organic guayusa, natural flavors, organic sugar cane, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and citric acid. Of all the ingredients, the most notable one is the organic guayusa.
Guayusa is a type of tree, and it is reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aside from that, it may also aid weight loss, regulate your blood sugar, make you more alert, and improve your mood.
Kombucha
Well, the name might sound funny, but Kombucha is a fermented drink that is made from green or black tea, with fruit or botanicals. The major benefit of Kombucha is the addition of beneficial bacteria known as probiotics to your gut.
When your gut health is improved, it can boost your brain functions through your gut-brain, which is a line of communication between your gut and brain. There is a bit of research that says drinking kombucha can help to bolster your brain functions. Kombucha can be either homemade or gotten from bottled brands.
Beetroot Juice
Beets are red root vegetables that are rich in nitrates; they’re an antecedent to nitric oxide supplement. Which the human body uses for the promotion of cell oxygenation and improves the flow of blood. It’s the favorite drink of most people who work out because of its boosting qualities.
Nitric oxide plays a major role in boosting the area of your brain that is responsible for learning, decision making, and language—as such, taking beetroot juices can enhance these effects by increasing the production of nitric oxide.
You can take this juice by mixing powdered beetroot with water or taking a shot of concentrated beetroot juice, which is like 1 or 2 tablespoons.
Guayaki Yerba Mate
This is a noncarbonated drink that consists of a blend of brewed yerba mate and organic fruit juice, with each can containing 150 mg of caffeine. The yerba mate is a plant species that contains caffeine which will boost a person’s energy level.
Kefir
Last but not the list of drinks that can enhance your gut health is Kefir. It is like Kombucha in a way and is a fermented beverage packed with probiotics. Kefir is, however, made from fermented milk instead of green tea. It can help the function of your brain by increasing the growth of healthy bacterias in your gut.
Generally, natural drinks are good for your gut health, so you can go for them. But, as much as possible, stay away from carbonated energy drinks. They’d end up doing more harm than good which isn’t what you want.
Featured Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash