Natural Energy Alternatives: Replace Caffeine With Plant-Based Herbal Supplements
Caffeine Codependent
There once was a time in human history when caffeine wasn’t a daily necessity in relation to our motivation or productivity. Today caffeine is one of the most consistent routines for the majority of functioning adults in society. Whether it's a morning cup of coffee before work, an afternoon study session energy drink, or a pre-workout boost to ensure maximum performance. Caffeine is the fuel that fires a world of productive and motivated working-class people. The only problem is the fire is fast burning and could lead to a lack of motivation and energy in the long run.
Caffeine feels so a part of our lives and current culture that it would be easy to assume that the cavemen had a rock roaster making fresh pots of cave cappuccinos every morning. The truth is for the most part of our biological history there were different methods used for waking up and this fast-burning caffeine addiction is something that is still fairly new to our biological routine. In regards to health, caffeine can promote cardiovascular disease, dehydration, insomnia, nervousness, and addiction leading to overall dependency. When you read those side effects, caffeine sounds more like a drug than a helping hand.
Today we are going to discuss various natural energy alternatives to caffeine such as herbs, juices, and powders that can help give a healthy energy boost. Most importantly, these alternatives are non-addictive and provide not just an energy boost but overall sustainable energy for the mind and body. Enjoy!
Herbal History
Herbs have been used for thousands of years by humans and cultures from all over the world. Natural herbs have been used to treat the sick, help the wounded, and sustain a healthy life. Plants and herbs have always had an enormous impact on human lives, especially when it comes to their usage. Our ancient connection to herbs is something that will always keep herbal curiosity fresh and supplemental science up to date.
An increasing number of people are turning to healthy and natural herbs as part of their daily nutritional needs. More than 100 million Americans take vitamins or herbal supplements daily and with good reason. Healthy natural herbal supplements can help provide the essential nutrients that the body needs, improve the sleep cycle, and foster the health of the immune system.
Health supplements are important because they offer a safe and effective way to ensure that your body gets its daily dietary requirements to keep in top shape. Herbal supplements add a unique layer of goodness to your health because they are plant-based and derived from pure, natural, and healthy ingredients. Incorporating herbal supplements into our lives is reconnecting us to our ancient roots.
Because herbal supplements are plant-based*, they are natural and, therefore, have fewer side effects than caffeinated drinks*. By taking herbal supplements for energy and better health, you will not be filling your body with synthetic additives that can do more harm than good. Herbs offer a natural way to rely on an organic non-addictive source of energy.
Nevertheless, because of the limited medical research available as regards the effects of some herbs on the body, most health care professionals can only recommend them as supplements meant to help, aid, enhance, or improve a person’s health. There are still years of science before herbs are labeled as “cures” of any sort. For now, they are a helping hand in the daily quest for health.
Top Herbal Supplements For Energy
There are plenty of supplements you can take that target specific health conditions. Nevertheless, if you want improved energy and better overall health, you need to specifically take supplements that enhance the immune system. Here are some proven natural enhancers of energy and immune health:
Ashwagandha
The ancient and trusted Ashwagandha Root (Withania Somnifera), is an Ayurvedic medicinal herb that is widely used in India, Asia, and Europe. Recently Ashwagandha has been revered the world over even though most people don’t realize it has been used for thousands of years. In South East Asia and Southern Europe Ashwagandha is used primarily as a herb to help with general vitality and natural rejuvenation.
Ashwagandha is used by various cultures for a variety of reasons and is beloved for it’s ability to strengthen the immune system and increase energy, endurance and stamina.This is how It coined the nickname “Indian Ginseng” and why it’s still widely used all over the world today.
Studies show the root has large amounts of antioxidants and in extract form, these compounds act as a natural enhancer of cardiorespiratory endurance*. This is the ability of the heart and lungs to deliver oxygen efficiently to muscles while they’re under stress or physical assertion from exercise. Ashwagandha root primarily acts as a natural adaptogen, helping the body increase resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stressors. This has a direct impact on immune system health and overall natural energy reserves.
Red Maca Root
Over 2000 years old, Red Maca Root Extract* is nutrient-dense and one of the first widely used superfoods. Red Maca root is rich in vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin C, zinc, calcium, copper, and iron. It’s also packed with 19 essential amino acids, phytonutrients, and fatty acids that all act as healthy antioxidants.
This ancient root has been known to help balance cortisol levels in men and women. Cortisol is the stress hormone and when unbalanced can cause estrogen imbalance in women and testosterone imbalance in men. For both sexes, this causes sluggishness, depression, and a lack of motivation. So when red maca root balances cortisol it also balances our natural sex hormones which have a direct link to health and energy levels.
Natural Fruit Juices
A lot of people who enjoy energy drinks enjoy them not only for the energy boost but also for the tasty and delicious flavors. Humans have always enjoyed delicious and tasteful things, especially when it’s naturally occurring and not chemically enhanced. Fruit was most likely humans' first natural source of healthy sugars, fibers, and maybe even the first thing we ate that was juicy and delicious. So our craving for tasty juice isn’t just because of our addiction to newly made sugar-enhanced juices and energy drinks but is a craving that is embedded deep into our DNA.
There are still various cultures from around the world that utilize healthy fruit and ancient traditions to satisfy their energy needs and overall craving for something juicy and delicious. A lot of people believe that sugar is bad for our health, but in reality, sugar is a necessity for human health. Added sugars can be harmful because they’re chemically enhanced and overly consumed. Natural sugars are a vital source of energy and replenishment for the body.
Let’s go over one of the healthiest fruit juice alternatives to sugary sports or energy drinks.
Red Nopal Cactus Fruit
Widely known as “prickly pear” the fruit of the Nopal cactus* is a superfood that is consistently overlooked. This delicious and beloved fruit has been used by South American and Central American* cultures for centuries. Because of the impact of these cultures on places such as Arizona, Texas, California, and Florida, we are starting to see the Nopal Cactus fruit become relevant in large parts of North America.
A large amount of North Americans see Prickly Pear as a seasonal flavor used in soda, candy, or cooking. What they tend to overlook is the large amounts of health benefits this fruit has in its most natural form.
The fruit and leaf of the cactus are richly packed with dense amounts of vitamins and minerals that are vital to natural energy levels* as well as rehydration. Including; Vitamins C, E, A, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Sodium, Phosphorus, and Potassium. The plant contains large amounts of Polyphenols (micronutrients that occur naturally in plants) and a healthy variety of essential amino and fatty acids, which play a huge role in the body's recovery and response to physical stress.
Natural Powders
Powders are a fairly new trend for humans in regards to energy, health, and wellness. New age science has helped the development of protein powders, electrolyte powders, energy powders, and recovery powders. These powders can be used for exercise, recovery, and everyday basic health or energy needs.
Though supplement powders can be a great tool for health and sustainable energy, it’s hard to know which powder to use because there are so many options. A powder for energy, a powder for recovery, and a powder for overall health, seems like an overwhelming way to deal with your daily nutritional needs. For people that don’t want to take 3 or more servings of powders a day, there’s a new natural supplement powder taking the healthy industry by storm.
Ca-AKG Powder (Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate)
Ca-AKG Powder combines energy, recovery, and health all into one powder. Ca-AKG is a powder made from pure and naturally occurring calcium and has grabbed the attention of scientists for its remarkable benefits. Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate is a compound that deals with a very specific part of human biology, cells.
Ca-AKG has been shown to help cells metabolize amino acids* and other micronutrients, which in return rebuild and make healthy DNA. The metabolizing of nutrients by cells and the rebuilding of DNA is a key component of overall cognitive health and energy levels. Cells and DNA are some of the first things affected by aging, which means this Calcium containing powder could help keep people feeling and looking younger. With that being said, Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate is a perfect way to help the body recover and sustain its natural energy levels.
Conclusion
Overall, caffeine can be useful for energy boosts, but there are also downfalls of caffeine such as addiction, heart disease, and energy crashes. Instead of increased moments of energy, humans should aim for overall healthy energy levels. This way the body doesn’t become reliant on energy boosts or feel the negative side effects which can lead to less motivation and energy in the long run.
There are tons of healthy alternatives to caffeine for healthy energy levels, and a few were discussed above. Click below to see all of Maxx Herb’s healthy herbal, juice, or powder supplements for sustainable energy levels.
Possible Benefits *
Reminder
The rule of thumb is to always seek the advice of your doctor or a health professional before taking supplements for energy and better health. Make sure to do your homework, too, before buying herbal supplements. Read available materials on the Internet, as well as possible results of clinical trials for a specific type of herbal remedy.
Some types of herbal supplements being sold out there are substandard and may not contain what they claim to have. Alternatively, they may contain other components that can have undesirable or adverse effects on your health.
They may also possibly interfere with some maintenance or prescription drugs you are taking to treat certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.
Herbal supplements for energy and better health can be bought over the counter, in health food stores, or through online stores or catalogs. Make sure you’re only buying from a trustworthy company backed by years of experience to make sure that you are buying a safe product. This is crucial especially if you’re buying over the Internet.
Read more about what you need to know about supplements here.
*Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
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