The blood oranges Certain Foods Give You An Energy Boost? Along with exercising, hydrating, and getting enough sleep, the foods you eat play an essential role in keeping your energy levels high. As such, you may wonder which foods may help maintain your alertness and focus throughout the day.

This article explains whether certain foods can boost your energy levels. How do certain foods affect your energy levels? The first thing you need to know is that all foods give you energy in the form of calories, which are a measure of energy. That said, not all foods affect your energy levels the same way.

And once again, they affect your energy levels differently. Simple carbs comprise either one or two sugar molecules, and they’re known as either monosaccharides and disaccharides, respectively. Because their structure is so small, they’re easier to digest and thus easily used for energy. Some examples of simple carbs you might want to limit to avoid such an effect include white bread, breakfast cereals, candy, fruit juice, and processed or refined grains with added sugars.

This means that complex carbs provide you with a steady supply of energy throughout the day. Examples of complex-carb food sources you could try to include in your diet include unrefined whole grains, oats, legumes, and starches. Foods with a high GI tend to spike and then crash your blood sugar levels, much like simple carbs. The GI of foods may be especially relevant in the case of whole fruit and dairy. Structurally, the carbs in fruit and dairy — fructose and lactose, respectively — are simple. Nevertheless, keep in mind that fruit juices and flavored dairy products tend to have added sugars, and therefore a high GI.

Simple or high GI carbs tend to spike and then crash your energy levels. Complex or low GI carbs ensure a steady energy supply throughout the day. Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world. Nevertheless, be mindful about the type of caffeinated products you choose. Plus, while caffeine intake is generally recognized as safe, some people may experience side effects upon caffeine consumption, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. However, while caffeine is generally recognized as safe, some people may experience mild to severe side effects. Exercising, hydrating, and getting enough sleep are also key to increasing your energy levels.