6 Foods to Boost Energy & Vitality
Seaweed, Wolfberries, Coconut Oil, Eggs, Raw Fruit, Raw Seeds
Oct 9, 2008
"Let food be your medicine and medicine your food," Hippocrates, the Greek philosopher-doctor, is said to have taught. Yet how often do we reach for prescription drugs, or even natural vitamins and supplements, instead of going to nature's first medicine: food.
Food as Medicine
The tradition of using food as medicine originates in every culture on Earth. From the spices and herbs used in cooking to the folk myths about foods, every pre-industrial civilization uses food in healing.
Whole foods are rich in water, bioavailable vitamins and minerals in a balanced way that few drugs or supplements can duplicate… and some foods have properties that make them uniquely useful.
If you're interested in supporting your health and wellness with the food you consume each day, read on for a list of six of the best foods to improve your energy and vitality.
Seaweed
Seaweed is one of the best-known foods for supporting health. Rich in natural sea salt, iodine, and other trace minerals, seaweeds such as kelp, nori and spirulina support and boost thyroid function (1). The thyroid gland is key in metabolism, hormone regulation, skin health and energy levels.
Ningxia Wolfberries
Chinese wolfberries have flooded health food stores and natural health markets in the past few years – with good reason - but few know the difference in quality that location makes. Ningxia wolfberries (Lycium barbarum var. Ningxia) are higher in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, complete proteins, and are known for their medicinal value. They are the superfood of the Chinese Olympic athletes and have been studied for their ability to stabilize blood sugar levels, fight cancerous growth, and improve strength and stamina training. (2)
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is being promoted by many health experts as the perfect cooking fat. It does not degrade at high temperatures, and virgin coconut oil is rich in elements that support thyroid health, boost the immune system, and stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol levels. (3)
Raw Fruits and Veggies
Raw foods, especially fruit and vegetables, are loaded with mineral- and vitamin-rich water, as well as enzymes that aid in digestion, break down toxins in the body, and speed healing.
Eggs
Protein is vital in almost every bodily function, and most people experience better energy levels when consuming a good source of protein at every meal. Eggs are considered a complete protein, with an ideal balance – the "perfect protein" against which others are tested in many laboratories. As long as egg allergies are not present, eggs are an easy choice for a quick energy boost.
Raw Nuts and Seeds
Raw nuts and seeds are a great combination of the enzymes found in fruits and veggies plus a good protein boost. They are also high in complex carbohydrates, the safe kind of carbohydrates that do not spike blood sugar but give energy for the long haul. Nuts and seeds or nut/seed butters, particularly raw, make a great energy snack.
Sources:
(1) Shomon, Mary. "Hypothyroidism and the Role of Armour Thyroid, Seaweed, Exercise and More," Thyroid-Info.com. Last accessed October 9, 2008.
(2) Lawrence, Schreuder and Young, Discovery of the Ultimate Superfood, 2005.
(3) Enig, Mary. "Coconut: In Support of Good Health in the 21st Century," last accessed October 9, 2008.
 |
