Healthy snacking is beneficial for your body. It helps to keep you healthy in a lot of ways. It plays a big role in stopping food cravings, it promotes weight control, energizes your body and brain and lifts your mood.
Here are five snack foods that boost energy:
1. Whole wheat
Whole grains are loaded with essential nutrients that nourish and energize your body and brain. But the best among them is whole wheat because it is very rich in B vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and carbohydrates which are essential in fighting fatigue and fueling you up with energy.
The carbohydrates present in whole wheat help to stabilize your blood sugar. Its tryptophan content is also a key factor in improving your sleep patterns and enhancing your mood.
2. Almonds
Almonds are rich in vitamins and minerals that can give your body the energy boost that it needs. These nutrients include protein, fiber, vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, tryptophan, copper, vitamin B2 and phosphorous.
The magnesium in almonds is especially useful in the body's production of energy. It also helps in strengthening your immune system and improving your sleeping habits. Additionally, it influences your mood by relieving you from stress and anxiety.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is a liquid-like food that your body can easily digest to get a quick boost of energy that stays longer. It is rich in protein, phosphorus, calcium, tryptophan, zinc, molybdenum and B vitamins.
Another essential chemical that yogurt contains is the amino acid called tyrosine. This is supplied to the brain to raise your levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, the neurotransmitters that enhances your mood and brain power.
4. Pineapple
Pineapple, the sweet, juicy fruit from the tropics is a super snack which a great energy booster. It is packed with vitamin C, vitamin B1 and B6, manganese, copper and fiber. It also contains high levels of tryptophan, fructose, dietary fiber and water which the body can absorb quickly for an almost instantaneous energy and mood boost that doesn't fade away quickly.
Being filled with fluids, pineapples help to prevent dehydration which is one of the main causes of energy drain.
5. Edamame
Edamame is actually boiled soybeans. It is classified as an energy booster because it is rich in tryptophan which helps to improve your mood, enhance sleep and regulate your appetite. It is loaded with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and iron, the substances which are essential in sustaining your energy. It also contains molybdenum, an essential trace mineral that helps to balance your blood sugar levels and improve your concentration.
