Natural supplements for more energy

We all suffer from energy dips or lower energy levels than we want from time to time. Natural supplements for energy and focus can help you boost energy levels naturally. This will give you more energy and help you focus better. In this blog, we discuss different natural supplements to get more energy.

Herbs and plant extracts for more energy

There are several herbs and plant extracts that can give you more energy. Besides increasing your energy levels, some of these natural supplements can also increase mental focus and reduce stress.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a natural plant extract extracted from the root of the ginseng plant. Ginseng supports physical and mental performance. It helps maintain vitality, promotes stamina and increases concentration and energy levels (a healthy life, 2021).

Ginseng is available in various forms: in capsules, liquid form and as a powder. It is also incorporated into coffee and tea.

Maca

Maca is a root extract derived from the maca plant. Maca, like ginseng, is a source of energy. It supports vitality and increases mental and physical energy. It also boosts fertility and increases libido (a healthy life, 2021 & Orthokennis).

Maca is mainly available as a powder form or in capsule form. Both forms contain the powder of the maca root.

Ashwagandha

The herbal extract Ashwagandha is important in Ayurvedic medicine. It is often used to reduce stress and increase energy levels. In addition, it may help increase mental alertness and sleep quality and improve cognitive and athletic performance (a healthy life, 2021). 

Ashwagandha comes in different forms. For instance, it is available as a tablet, powder, capsule or tea.

Energy boosters with caffeine

Need a quick energy boost? Energy boosters with caffeine, such as matcha, spirulina and guarana, allow you to boost your energy levels quickly and easily, without having to run to the coffee machine to do so. Caffeine blocks the substance adenosine, which signals your brain to take a rest. Moreover, caffeine speeds up brain activity, which provides more energy (No rush Decaf, 2023). Be careful with the amount of caffeine you ingest, though. Too much caffeine combined with not enough water accelerates dehydration (My protein, 2021). It may also cause insomnia by keeping the brain 'awake' when you want to sleep (My protein, 2021).

Matcha

Matcha is a green tea powder from Japan. It is made from ground green tea leaves. Matcha contains high levels of antioxidants, which slow down the ageing of our bodies. The combination of a high amount of caffeine (25% more than a cup of coffee) with L-theanine ensures that energy is delivered to the body evenly and slowly. As a result, you get a longer energy boost. Furthermore, it increases concentration and memory (hey matcha). 

Matcha is mainly available as powder and can be used to make tea.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green freshwater algae that is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. It also contains a small amount of caffeine. The combination of these nutrients may give you more energy. The blue pigment phycocyanin present in spirulina promotes insulin action, keeping blood sugar stable(er) and preventing energy dips. Furthermore, it supports vitality, the immune system and thyroid function (Holland and Barrett & Energetic Women Academy). 

Spirulina is generally available in tablet or powder form.

Guarana

Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon region. Guarana is known for its high concentration of caffeine and stimulating properties. It stimulates your energy level, stamina, concentration and alertness. The ingredient in Guarana that provides these stimulating properties is called guaranine. Guaranine contains a natural form of caffeine.

Compared to caffeine, guaranine is absorbed into the body much more slowly. As a result, you experience the effects of guaranine more evenly and for a longer period of time. This prevents huge energy peaks and troughs.

Frequently asked questions about natural supplements

What are natural energy supplements?

Natural supplements contain only natural ingredients, vitamins in the most active form and minerals that are easily absorbed by the body. Natural energy supplements such as magnesium, vitamin B12, vitamin C, ginseng, ginkgo biloba and iron activate natural energy and reduce fatigue.

Which herbs and plant extracts help increase energy?

Nowadays, more and more people are consuming coffee or energy drinks to boost energy levels. Especially at times when a lot is asked of us. Unfortunately, these remedies only provide a temporary energy boost and we often end up in an energy dip afterwards. Natural herbs and plant extracts are a great alternative to replenish energy reserves and boost your cognitive health. The best natural energy supplements that can help you with this are ginseng, ginkgo biloba, maca, ashwagandha, matcha, spirulina and guarana. These herbs and plant extracts have different properties and are available in various forms such as powder, tablet, capsule or tea.

Are natural energy supplements safe?

There are several natural supplements for more energy and focus, but are these natural supplements actually safe for us? The answer to this question is yes! Natural energy supplements are made in a natural and safe way and are therefore safe to consume. According to the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, it is important to always look at the label to check what substances the supplement contains. Never exceed the maximum amount recommended. Caution! Energy supplements can interact with prescription medicines and may therefore cause side effects. It is therefore wise to consult a doctor or practitioner before taking these supplements (Food Supplements & Health Information Centre).

How soon can I see results after using natural energy supplements?

How quickly you can see results from using natural energy supplements depends on a number of factors. The most important factor for this is the amount left in the body. The lower the amount present in the body, the longer it will take you to see results. The quality of the supplement and how well it is absorbed by the body also play a role. It is also important that you take the supplements regularly and that you take the right amount. Generally, you will see results after 3 months of use. If this is not the case, it is wise to stop taking it and look for another solution.

Literature

https://www.davitamon.nl/vitamines-en-mineralen/panax-ginseng/#:~:text=Ginseng%20is%20een%20natuurlijk%20plantenextract,Panax%20Ginseng%20terug%20te%20herleiden.

https://www.helpshop.be/aanbod/p/140674/boiron-ginseng-plantenextracten-60-ml#alle-details-anker 

https://www.kazidomi.com/nl/blog/voed/maca-poeder-een-superfood-dat-moet-worden-aangenomen 

https://www.marvindereuver.nl/ashwagandha-het-beste-kruid-tegen-een-burn-out/#:~:text=Ashwagandha%20is%20een%20belangrijk%20kruid,je%20rust%20in%20je%20hoofd.

https://supp24.nl/cafeine-in-supplementen-alles-over-de-werking-en-effecten/ 

https://www.mrmrstea.nl/wat-is-matcha/is-matcha-gezond/#:~:text=Het%20rijke%20gehalte%20aan%20antioxidanten,blijven%20huid%20en%20bloedvaten%20soepeler.&text=Matcha%20thee%20bevat%20v

https://www.hollandandbarrett.nl/advies/supplementen/spirulina/ 

https://energiekevrouwenacademie.nl/spirulina-koning-van-de-eiwitten/

https://www.vittostore.com/blogs/vitto/100-natuurlijke-supplementen-vittomins 

https://www.ivg-info.nl/nieuws/wisselwerking-tussen-medicijnen-en-kruidenproducten/