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Energy Drinks Increase Heart Attack Risk Within 90 Minutes of Consumption

The AHA! Team — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:11:31 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – Most people reach for a cup of coffee to increase their energy levels. However, in recent years, energy drinks have become the pick-me-up of choice, especially among younger people. But here’s the warning: Researchers have found that these high-caffeine, high-sugar beverages negatively impact heart health. In fact, within just 90 minutes of having one of these drinks, blood vessels can constrict dramatically – by as much as half in some cases. This reduces the blood supply and nutrients to the body’s organs and inhibits their function. How energy drinks put a squeeze on our blood circulation Keep in mind: blood flow constriction to the heart increases the risk of both heart attacks and stroke. And that’s exactly what happens when you drink these beverages. In addition, their high sugar content raises blood glucose levels – which can cause (or make worse) metabolic disorders like diabetes and prediabetes. In one study, the researchers examined 44 college students from the McGovern Medical School at UT Health. All participants were non-smokers, in their 20s, and generally ‘healthy.’ Since the subjects were young, they all had strong endothelium, the layer lining the inner walls of blood vessels. Endothelium integrity is crucial to heart health. Now, for the shocking results: the effect of energy drinks on otherwise normal endothelium was measured using ultrasound before and after consuming a 24-oz. energy drink. Ninety minutes after consuming the drink, endothelial function was tested for vessel diameter and arterial blood flow. How perfectly good blood vessels get damaged by just ONE drink After just 90 minutes, the artery’s inner diameter was reduced by half – from 5.1 percent to around 2.8 percent on average. The researchers believe this effect is due to the high levels of caffeine, sugar, taurine, and many other stimulating ingredients. As agitating as too much caffeine can be, the researchers believe it’s the high sugar content of these drinks that is the biggest culprit of severe blood vessel constriction. A drink like Red Bull contains 37 grams of sugar – equivalent to over NINE TEASPOONS. However, caffeine is also a factor, causing the body to release adrenaline rapidly. Each 250-ml drink contains around 80 mg of caffeine, which is 2.5 times the amount in a can of soda. Editor’s note: This article should be considered a ‘red alert’ for young athletes. Don’t combine your high-intensity training with these drinks. The result could be a deadly heart attack. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that around one-third of teenagers aged 12 to 17 consume these high-caffeine sugary drinks regularly. Find natural alternatives to energy drinks Finding natural, low-sugar ways to boost energy is always better for long-term health. If you’re a parent of a teenager reaching for one of these beverages, warn them about the risk of heart attack, restrict their consumption, and encourage healthier options. For example, green tea, coconut water, and fresh vegetable-fruit juices have (natural) energizing properties, and they are much healthier than high-sugar, caffeine-infused options. Once you get started, you’ll never look back. Remember: good health is our greatest asset. We should do everything possible to protect it. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov News-Medical.net To read the original article click here.

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Coffee Fruit Nutrition vs. Coffee Beans: How Do They Compare?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:16:23 +0000

Rachael Link, MS, RD via Dr. Axe – Also sometimes referred to as the coffee cherry or coffee berry, the coffee fruit is a small, red or purple fruit that is produced by the coffee plant. Like peaches, plums and cherries, this superfruit is technically considered a stone fruit because it has a pit in the middle that contains raw coffee beans. Coffee beans are well-known for their rich aroma and full-bodied flavor, not to mention the jolt of extra energy and the wealth of health benefits they can provide thanks to coffee nutrition. The coffee fruit is often overlooked, however, and not only does this vibrant fruit house the super nutritious coffee bean, but it’s also jam-packed with antioxidants and health-promoting properties all its own, with studies showing that it potentially can boost brain power, fight cancer growth and improve immune function. So what is coffee fruit extract, is coffee a fruit and should you consider adding this ingredient into your daily diet? Let’s break it down and take a closer look at what you need to know about this incredible ingredient. What is coffee fruit? Also sometimes referred to as the coffee cherry or coffee berry, the coffee fruit is a small, red or purple fruit that is produced by the coffee plant. Like peaches, plums and cherries, this superfruit is technically considered a stone fruit because it has a pit in the middle that contains raw coffee beans. Coffee beans are actually classified as the seeds of coffee cherries and are well-known as the staple ingredient in coffee. In the production of coffee, the fruit of the coffee plant is typically discarded, and the beans are then roasted, ground and brewed into the familiar hot beverage that we all know and love. In recent years, more and more research has confirmed the powerful health effects of the coffee fruit, and food manufacturers have begun taking notice, finding new ways to include it in drinks, supplements (including thermogenics) and even baked goods for a sustainable and antioxidant-rich treat. It’s believed that the coffee bean was originally discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi in the year 850 A.D. According to popular legend, he noticed his goats chewing on a bright red berry and becoming increasingly energetic, which prompted him to sample the berries himself. He later brought the coffee fruit to a nearby monastery, but the monks threw the berries into the fire, causing them to emit a delicious coffee aroma and leading to the brewing of the world’s first cup of coffee. However, the first true documented discovery of the coffee plant wasn’t until around the 1500s in Yemen, and the plant was soon exported throughout many other parts of the world within just a few years. Where is coffee grown today? In 1730, coffee was first cultivated in South America, which now accounts for about 45 percent of global coffee exports, with Brazil taking the lead as the top producer of the coffee bean. Currently, it’s estimated that about 54 percent to 75 percent of adults in the United States drink coffee every day, with most consuming an average of about three cups daily and with new variations and brews, such as nitro coffee and decaf coffee, constantly emerging. Unfortunately, the methods used in coffee production generally involve removing the coffee bean from the surrounding fruit and discarding massive amounts of antioxidant-rich coffee fruit, often dumping it into rivers or simply leaving it to rot. Luckily, the food industry has recently started to find innovative, new ways to take advantage of the unique benefits that the coffee fruit has to offer while also using all parts of the coffee plant to help promote sustainability. Coffee fruit vs. coffee beans Coffee fruit is produced by the coffee plant and houses the coffee bean, which is typically extracted, roasted and used in the production of coffee. Most fruits contain two coffee beans, although a small amount contain just one and are believed to have a stronger, richer flavor than regular coffee beans. How do these two compare in terms of nutrition and flavor? For starters, the coffee fruit caffeine content is significantly lower than the bean, which makes it a good option for those who are especially sensitive to the effects of caffeine and looking for an energizing alternative to coffee. While both are loaded with antioxidants, they may contain differing amounts of certain antioxidant compounds. For instance, research has shown that roasting coffee beans diminishes levels of chlorogenic acids, which are natural plant compounds that act as antioxidants. Finally, there are some definite distinctions in the way that these ingredients are commonly processed and consumed. While coffee beans are typically roasted and sold as either whole bean coffee or ground coffee, coffee fruit extract is usually added to supplements and drinks for some extra flavor and nutrients. Health benefits 1. High in antioxidants Antioxidants are powerful compounds present in a variety of fruits, vegetables and superfoods that help fight free radicals to protect against oxidative stress and damage to cells. Some studies have even found that adding more antioxidants to your diet can help reduce the risk of many chronic conditions, including coronary heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Coffee fruit packs in a good amount of antioxidants in each serving to help optimize your health and prevent disease. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the amount of coffee antioxidants found in coffee fruit depends largely on the extraction method. In fact, the study found that antioxidant activity in whole coffee fruit extracts was found to be up to 25-fold higher than in powders. 2. Promotes brain health Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a type of protein that is crucial to neuronal health, helping encourage the growth of new neurons in the brain and support the survival of existing brain cells. Not only that, but studies also have shown that BDNF may be especially important when it comes to long-term memory formation and storage. Some research has found a significant relationship between coffee fruit extract and BDNF levels. For instance, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that treating subjects with whole coffee fruit concentrate powder increased levels of BDNF by a whopping 143 percent, which was significantly more than green coffee caffeine powder and grape seed extract powder. Furthermore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study found that whole coffee cherry extract could have positive neurophysiological effects in older adults with subjective cognitive impairment. Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy humans revealed acute cognitive performance and mood effects of coffeeberry extract. 3. May lower blood pressure When you have high blood pressure, it puts extra strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder to pump blood throughout the body and slowly weakening the heart muscle over time. Coffee fruit is rich in chlorogenic acid, a type of phenolic compound that’s been shown to help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. According to one small study out of Tokyo, consuming chlorogenic acids isolated from green coffee bean extract significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in people with high blood pressure and came with minimal side effects or adverse symptoms. 4. May promote fat-burning and weight loss Coffee fruit and its components have shown potential for promoting fat loss and weight reduction in human studies. A 12-week study involving 150 overweight individuals found that drinking coffee enriched with chlorogenic acid, a compound abundant in coffee fruit, significantly decreased both body and belly fat compared to a control group. In a 24-week investigation conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers, drinking four cups of coffee daily was associated with a modest 4% reduction in body fat. A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that increased caffeine intake was linked to reduced body mass index, weight and fat mass. 5. Supports healthy aging/longevity Coffee fruit may support healthy aging and longevity through its effects on brain health and antioxidant properties. A study involving 71 older adults with mild mental decline found that consuming coffee fruit extract for 28 days significantly reduced reaction time, suggesting potential benefits for cognitive function. Further research has shown that coffee fruit concentrate can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by 143% within two hours. BDNF is essential for the survival and growth of neuronal cells in the brain. Coffee fruit also is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals that contribute to cell damage and chronic diseases associated with aging. Other potential benefits: Could enhance immunity: Some studies have indicated that coffee fruit may have a powerful impact when it comes to your immune system, working to keep your body healthy and fend off disease and infection. Although research is currently mostly limited to animal models, one study did find that consuming coffee cherry extract was able to increase the activity of immune cells in mice. This could have major implications in the prevention of health and disease, although additional studies are needed to evaluate how coffee fruit may impact immune function for the general population. May have anti-cancer activities: One of the most impressive coffee fruit benefits is its potential ability to suppress the growth and spread of cancer cells. In fact, one promising animal model published in the journal Anticancer Research even found that coffee cherry extract was able to significantly reduce tumor growth in mice by nearly 54 percent after just 10 days. Keep in mind, though, that more research is still needed to understand how coffee fruit may affect cancer cells in humans. Risks and side effects Coffee fruit is considered very safe and associated with very few coffee fruit extract side effects. In fact, because the coffee fruit is significantly lower in caffeine than the coffee bean, it’s much less likely to cause caffeine overdose issues like jitters, anxiety or insomnia. However, it is important to keep in mind that many drinks containing coffee fruit may also contain ingredients like erythritol. What is erythritol? It is a sugar alcohol commonly used as an alternative to sugar to help reduce the caloric content of processed foods. Although it’s generally considered safe and nontoxic, it’s often combined with artificial sweeteners and can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea for some people when paired with fructose. If you’re sensitive to its effects or notice any adverse symptoms after consumption, it’s best to keep intake in moderation to prevent digestive distress. Uses Wondering where to buy coffee fruit and how you can start adding it to your daily routine? Coffee fruit extract is widely available in supplement and liquid extract form from health shops and pharmacies alike. Because of the mild yet slightly sweet coffee fruit taste, coffee extract is also sometimes used as an ingredient in antioxidant drinks or added to supplements for a quick boost of nutrition alongside other superfoods, like the acai berry. Coffee fruit is also a main ingredient in cascara tea, which is made by steeping the flesh of the coffee fruit in hot water to let the flavor infuse and then straining and discarding the pulp for a soothing and delicious beverage. You can also try using coffee flour, a gluten-free flour substitute that’s made from the pulp of discarded coffee fruits used in the production of coffee. It can be combined with other types of flour and boasts a nutty flavor, plus a good amount of protein, fiber, iron, potassium and antioxidants. It can easily be added to many baked goods and desserts to bump up the nutrient profile. Recipes Whether you choose to brew it up into a tea or make some simple swaps in your favorite baked recipes to give them a gluten-free twist, there are plenty of ways to enjoy coffee fruit in its many forms. Here are a couple tasty recipes to get you started: Cascara Tea Gluten-Free Coffee Flour Coconut Cookies Final thoughts Coffee fruit is produced by the coffee plant and is...

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What are the Health Effects of Energy Drinks?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 08:00:57 +0000

Dr. Nicola Williams, Ph.D. via News-Medical – Concerns about the negative impact of energy drinks (ED’s) have arisen in recent years both in the scientific community and among the public. The risks posed to health by the consumption of ED’s are primarily related to their high caffeine content. ED’s have proven to be especially popular amongst children, adolescents, and young adults and aggressive marketing has led to an exponential growth in sales. This article takes a closer look at ED’s and their potentially harmful effects. What Are Energy Drinks? There is no standard definition for “energy drinks” or ED’s for short. But they are characterized as highly sweetened, caffeinated, and non-alcoholic. These beverages are stimulating in effect, given they contain very high levels of caffeine ––which can typically be around 80mg per serving. ED’s are not only made to taste good, but they are well-known to enhance energy levels, physical alertness, and performance. They also pose the risk of caffeine intoxication. Besides caffeine, ED’s typically comprise the highly active ingredients of taurine, guarana, ginseng, L-carnitine and glucuronolactone, and sweeteners. These act as stimulants. They also function as a mood elevator when mixed with alcohol. The demand for and consumption of ED’s has markedly increased in recent years and has resulted in a multi-million-dollar international market. The most popular brands are Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, and 5-hour energy drink, though there are around 300 varieties of ED on the international market. Who Consumes ED’s? The target market for energy drinks is people of all ages, excluding those under the age of 16, for example, in the UK. The drinks have been promoted on the health market and have been aimed at specific groups such as athletes and college or university students. Even so, the drinks do not provide sufficient levels of rehydration or restoration of electrolytes in relation to sporting activity, though they do enhance energy. In this, they are a class apart from sports drinks, though the two are frequently confused with one another. For university students, the appeal of these drinks is to improve performance, concentration, and endurance. They are frequently used to prohibit sleep during periods of intense study, for example in preparation for tests and examinations. This relatively new kind of beverage was first launched in Japan in 1960, introduced into Europe in 1987, and in the USA in 1997. ED’s have proven popular in the Indian market where they are sold as energy shots and dietary supplements as well as in their standard drink form. ED’s have become increasingly popular amongst adolescents, in part a result of youth-targeted marketing. Advertising campaigns include the sponsorship of events that appeal to this age group (e.g., snowboarding) and product placement in video games and social media. Components of Energy Drinks ––What Are They? Caffeine ––an alkaloid as well as being a stimulant provides a pleasant taste Taurine ––stimulates the central nervous system Guarana ––a South African herb contains theobromine, theophylline, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and boasts twice the concentration of caffeine in comparison to coffee beans. It’s used for enhancing energy levels and it causes an increase in mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as dopamine Ginseng enhances memory L-carnitine is sometimes also used to increase energy and to speed up the metabolic rate Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring metabolite made from glucose and is sometimes added to alleviate fatigue and promote well-being Sugar or sweeteners, such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium Health Hazards The ingestion of ED’s over time can lead to negative effects, for example, behavioral changes. Certain ingredients should only be ingested in moderation. For example, caffeine and ginseng. The high amount of caffeine in ED’s has a diuretic effect on the body leading to the loss of fluid in the form of urine. Caffeine intoxication causes nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, convulsions, and psychosis which in some circumstances can prove lethal. Ginseng or Panax Ginseng, (also sometimes used), when consumed excessively can lead to vaginal bleeding, diarrhea, severe headache, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) ––a rare and serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. Internationally, regulatory bodies have imposed policies regarding the composition, labeling, distribution, and sale of ED’s. The appeal ED’s for young people and adolescents has been of particular concern. So far little research has been done on the associations between ED consumption and the initiation of other drug use ––for example, tobacco and alcohol. In 2019 the UK government, for example, came under pressure to ban the sale of ED’s to children, leading to major supermarkets calling time on selling ED’s to those under the age of 16. The drinks contain an advisory note stating that they are ‘not recommended for children.’ The market varies, with other countries deeming the drinks to be unsuitable to those under 18, for example in Latvia and Lithuania. In terms of regular caffeine consumption, The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gives a safety level of 3 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight per day for children and adolescents. But the average ED comes in a 250 ml can and, with around 80mg of caffeine per serving, easily contains the equivalent caffeine content of three cans of cola or a strongly brewed cup of coffee. On top of this, non-diet versions also contain more than twice the sugar and calories of the average soft drink. Numerous case studies are confirming the adverse health effects posed by ED’s including actual recorded instances of lethality. More research is yet needed into ED’s, the worrying uptake by young people, and the public health risks they essentially pose. References: Arthur, R. (2019). UK ban’s sale of energy drinks to U16s [Online] Beverage Daily.com. Available at: https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2019/07/23/UK-government-bans-sale-of-energy-drinks-to-U16s Breda, J. et al. (2014) Energy drink consumption in Europe: a review of the risks, adverse health effects, and policy options to respond. Frontiers in Public Health.DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00134 Kaur, J. et al. (2019) Energy drinks: health effects and consumer safety. Nutrition and Food Science. DOI: 10.1108/NFS-11-2018-0331 Galimov, A. (2020) Association of energy drink consumption with substance-use initiation among adolescents: A 12-month longitudinal study. Journal of Psychopharmacology. DOI: 10.1177/0269881119895545 To read the original article click here.

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Daily Intake of Two or More Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Associated with Higher Bowel Cancer Risk

AHA Publisher — Tue, 11 May 2021 07:00:55 +0000

BMJ via News-Medical – Drinking two or more daily sugar-sweetened beverages in adulthood is linked to a doubling in the risk of bowel cancer before the age of 50–at least in women, finds research published online in the journal Gut. And each daily serving is associated with a 16% higher risk, rising to 32% per daily serving during the teenage years, the findings indicate. Cases of bowel cancer diagnosed before the age of 50, formally known as early onset colorectal cancer, have been increasing in many high income countries over the past two decades. But it’s not clear why. In the US, adults born around 1990 run twice the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer of adults born around 1950. Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks, fruit flavored drinks, sports and energy drinks, make up the leading (39%) source of added sugar in US diets, and 12% of the population drinks more than three servings (8 fl oz each) every day. Heavy consumption has been linked to a heightened risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Although these drinks have steadily risen in popularity, particularly among teens and young adults, it’s not known if this intake might also be associated with a heightened risk of bowel cancer in mid-life. To explore this further, the researchers drew on information provided by 95,464 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study II, an ongoing monitoring study of 116,429 US female registered nurses aged between 25 and 42 at enrolment in 1989. The women reported what they ate and drank, using validated food frequency questionnaires every 4 years, starting in 1991. And 41,272 of them reported on what, and how much, they drank during their teenage years (13–18) in 1998. Information was also supplied on potentially influential factors, including family history of bowel cancer, lifestyle, regular use of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and vitamin supplements. In 1989, participants were additionally asked to recall their health status, weight (BMI) and lifestyle in their teenage years. During 24 years of monitoring, 109 women developed bowel cancer before the age of 50. Higher intake of sugar-sweetened drinks in adulthood was associated with a higher risk of the disease after accounting for potentially influential risk factors. Compared with those who drank less than one serving a week, women who drank 2 or more every day were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer, with each daily serving associated with a 16% higher risk. Among the 41,272 who reported on their teen patterns of consumption, each daily serving was associated with a 32% higher risk of subsequently developing the disease before the age of 50. Substituting sugar-sweetened drinks with artificially sweetened beverages, coffee, or semi-skimmed or whole milk was associated with a 17% to 36% lower risk of a bowel cancer diagnosis before the age of 50. This is an observational study, and as such, can’t establish cause, only correlation. And given that most participants were white women, the findings may not be applicable to men or other racial/ethnic groups, acknowledge the researchers. Nevertheless, they point out that there are some biologically plausible explanations for their findings: sugar-sweetened drinks suppress feelings of satiety, so risking excess energy intake and associated weight gain. These drinks also prompt a rapid rise in blood glucose and insulin secretion, which, over the long term, can induce insulin resistance, inflammation, obesity and type 2 diabetes, they add. Emerging evidence also suggests that fructose can impair gut barrier function and increase gut permeability, which could promote the development of cancer, suggest the researchers. “[Sugar-sweetened beverage] consumption may contribute to the rising incidence of [early onset bowel cancer],” they suggest. “Reducing intake and/or [substitution] with other healthier beverages among adolescents and young adults may serve as a potential actionable strategy to alleviate the growing burden of bowel cancer before the age of 50],” they conclude. To read the original article click here.

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Boost Energy Levels by Eating These 5 Superfoods

AHA Publisher — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:42 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Feeling tired and mentally drained seems to be the “new normal” in our fast-paced lifestyle. But, if you are drinking energy drinks loaded with artificial sweeteners and caffeine – your condition will only get worse, leaving you exhausted after a brief few hours of hyper-energy. And, let’s not forget the side effects of headaches, nausea and the jitters. So, when it comes to naturally boosting your energy levels, many people would be surprised to learn that certain superfoods provide a healthy alternative. The additional benefit is that it’s so easy to incorporate into a daily routine. Are you ready to take a closer look? How Do Goji Berries Boost Energy Levels? A 2008 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study assessed the effect of 14 days of supplementation with goji juice among participants. The study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, showed that when subjects consumed 120 ml (about half a cup) of goji juice – per day – they felt a significant raise in energy levels, mental acuity, focus and feelings of happiness and health. The study also showed that there was a significant decrease in symptoms of fatigue and stress. Goji berries are versatile and can be incorporated into any dish with little to no preparations. They are easy to enjoy in salads, breakfast porridge, and even tea preparations. Of course, always look for organic goji berries for superior taste and nutritional value. Ginseng Helps to Restore Physical and Mental Energy Ginseng is a powerful fatigue fighter and also an adaptogen that enhances immune function. A Mayo Clinic study showed that American ginseng could address the symptoms of fatigue among cancer patients as well as improve their quality of life. Evidence shows that ginseng helps to fight long term fatigue issues due to its ability to support endocrine function. It is available in the form of dried or fresh roots, capsules and teas. The common recommendation by most herbalists is to consume it every day for 2- 3 weeks and then stop for the next two weeks. The Magical Mushroom Endorsed by Western Medicine Cordyceps, also called a “magic mushroom,” is known for its ability to instantly provide energy and prevent fatigue. Researchers are still not clear how this mushroom enhances energy levels. But, some scientists attribute this ability to the presence of polysaccharides (natural sugars) and antioxidants – which eliminate the threat of free radicals on the body. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, cordyceps can be used for a wide range of conditions, such as fatigue, sexual dysfunction, immune enhancement and off-setting the negative effects of conventional cancer treatments. A 2010 pilot study that appears in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that cordyceps supplementation, on a daily basis, improved exercise performance in 20 healthy adults aged 50 – 75. Spirulina Improves Blood Circulation in Sluggish People This blue-green algae is 60 – 70% protein, a good source of vitamin B12, mixed carotenoids and other antioxidants. Spirulina is considered the most efficient and effective dietary supplement that money can buy. According to researchers, spirulina enhances energy levels because of its vitamin B12 and rhamnose. Rhamnose, is a type of biologically active sugar which hastens the transport of nutrients across the blood-brain barrier and to the cell. This property is crucial to alleviate symptoms of fatigue and improve the blood circulation to all parts of the body. A 2010 study, published in the journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, showed that spirulina supplementation was able to significantly improve exercise performance by decreasing fatigue related symptoms. Hemp Seeds Give You Energy, Protein and Healthy Omega-3 Fatty Acids Hemp seeds have become popular due to its fantastic macronutrient profile. It is because of the same reason it is mostly used in breakfast smoothies, in the form of protein powder, seeds or oil. Gram for gram hemp seeds pack more protein and comes loaded with the beneficial omega-3 fats. In addition, hemp seeds contain the perfect ratio of omega 3, 6 and 9 – ideal for the body and is also a complete protein. An ounce of hemp seed gives about 160 calories, 10 grams of protein, 15% of the daily value for iron, 45% for magnesium and 21% of zinc’s daily value. The omega-3 fatty acids help to improve focus and alleviate symptoms of depression. Researchers believe that the presence of the minerals, in hemp seeds, boost energy and supply an ample amount of healthy fats for brain and cardiovascular health. There is one thing to keep in mind. If you have any chronic health condition like diabetes, autoimmune disease or take heart medication – herbs, such as ginseng, may increase the risk of bleeding. Obviously, for best results, it would be great to work with an experienced herbalist and integrative healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original articles click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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