Coffee is the only thing that keeps you going non-stop in your daily grind, where nearly 10 times your mind goes like, ‘I cannot anymore’. You have just come back from your lunch break and as soon as you resume working, your eyes start to shut and there you are, sleepy and tired. Enter coffee, that works as the only energy booster that helps you retain your energy to survive the remaining shift. And oh, that one cup of coffee for mid-shift pressure when you are unable to get hold of a task and the deadline is fast approaching. Coffee provides you with instant energy and helps you maintain your sanity throughout your stressful moments.
But what is the reason behind this instant energy after having a cup of coffee? To understand this, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Sadeq Qureshi, Psychiatrist, Prerna Hospital, Aurangabad.
According to Dr Qureshi, a cup of coffee generates energy because of the stimulatory action of caffeine on the Central nervous system (CNS). Caffeine acts as a CNS stimulant by antagonising adenosine receptors in the brain. He also said that caffeine increases dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens thus resulting in an addiction potential.
Why Is Coffee Not Healthy Choice
Coffee contains caffeine, the factor that generates instant energy in us. Now, while working we do need to boost energy and keep sleep and tiredness away for meeting deadlines and we consume coffee cup after cup. But is it good for your health? A big NO. Caffeine can lead to anxiety, insomnia, heartburn and so on. Dr Qureshi said that excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Also read: Drinking Coffee On An Empty Stomach Is Bad For You: Myth Or Fact?
Foods Apart From Coffee That Provide Energy
Like coffee other foods may not provide instant energy to you but these foods can provide you with optimal energy and are much more healthier options than coffee.
Curd
Curd contains protein and is packed with vitamins and minerals that help you keep your body strong. Being a probiotic, curd helps you boost your energy levels. A study by oxford suggests that due to its rich content curd facilitates energy balance.
Iron Rich Foods
Foods like spinach, beans, fish and legumes are rich sources of iron. Study suggests iron is helpful for boosting your energy levels and immune system as it helps in absorption of vitamin C and relieves fatigue and moods.
Also read: Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Oats
Oats are high in fibre and carbohydrates which make them the best choice for breakfast. The high content of vitamin B in oats helps to boost energy levels in the body.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruit and kiwi contain high amounts of vitamin C which helps in boosting immunity and energy levels of our body.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and fat. The vitamin B content of the egg is rich in thiamin, riboflavin, folate, which help in providing energy to the body.
Bottomline
All of the above mentioned foods come with abundant nutrients that help you nourish your body and boost your energy levels. But moderation is the key. Excessive consumption of anything would lead to harmful effects on your health.