5 Healthy Homemade Workout Energy Drinks

We all know there is nothing more beneficial and healthier than plain water. It makes us feeling refreshed and content especially after exercise. But sometimes water can be a little tasteless, and boring. In that case, you can try home-made workout energy drinks made from fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds that will help boost your energy and keep you healthy due to their natural ingredients. Energy drinks are extremely healthy, nutritious and will help give a boost to your energy levels and thus improve your workout performance. Several studies show that commercial energy drinks contain artificial colors, high sugar content, and preservatives that have serious side effects and in the severe case may lead to hyperactivity, higher blood sugar, headaches or migraines, and increased heart rate.

Here is a list of healthy workout drinks, loaded with nutrients and essential vitamins that will keep you active throughout work sessions. They are easily available and can be consumed before and after a workout.

1. Green Tea

Green tea is one of the healthiest teas with numerous health benefits. It helps to lose weight and burn fat quickly. Various researches have shown that green tea also helps increase athletes’ performance levels and stamina. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and an important amino acid l-theanine. The main antioxidants present in green tea are polyphenols, organic chemicals found in plants. One of the most abundant polyphenol is epigallocathechin gallate (EGCG). Matcha green tea contains the highest levels of polyphenols. EGCG stimulates the growth of bone cells up to 79{317a7769e272dec17b69bda26c6a5a4c5e6799efcd8a85f72cb552b76862c2b9}, which strengthens bones and increases mineralization, which is crucial for athletes and runners.

2. Coconut Juice

Coconut juice is a great natural “sports” drink for post-workout and has been used as a source of hydration in tropical countries. The drink is rich in potassium and antioxidants, low in calories, and free of fat and cholesterol. According to research, a 12-ounce serving of coconut water has more potassium than a banana. Potassium helps eradicate muscle cramps that may sometimes follow heavy workouts. Many athletes around the world prefer coconut water over branded sports drinks. A recent study reported that coconut water causes less nausea, fullness, and stomach upset and is easier to consume in large amounts during rehydration.

3. Mint Tea

Extremely refreshing and one of the most effective of healthy drinks, mint is one of the most famous natural herbs used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasoconstrictor properties. Mint tea is antispasmodic, which relaxes the muscles and cures aches therefore, it is extremely beneficial for trainers, boxers and athletes. It improves your running performance, respiratory function, digestive system, blood pressure, and heart rate. It also helps pave the path for nutrients to flow through the body.

4. Hot Chocolate

Everyone loves hot chocolate! And in our opinion, it’s the tastiest of healthy drinks. It helps increase the neurotransmitter serotonin which elevates your mood and makes you feel happy and relaxed. It contains polyphenols that help protect the cells because of their antioxidant nature. It also helps regulates the HPL cholesterol levels. A study suggests hot chocolate is 3 times more effective in fighting cancer cells as compared to green tea. It improves blood flow, lowers the risk of heart disease, and the strengthen immune system.

5. Cranberry Juice

Apart from being absolutely delicious, cranberry juice is probably the healthiest of juices. Cranberries contain manganese, vitamin C, fiber, vitamin E, copper, vitamin K, and pantothenic acid. They have anti-inflammatory and bone-strengthening nutrients that help post- and pre-workout. Due to the abundance of vitamin C, cranberries juice is an antioxidant that promotes healing of bones, skin and connective tissue. In addition, cranberry juice prevents free radicals from attacking the body. This is due to the presence of phytonutrients and flavonoids, which also are known to improve memory and help the immune system.

All the juices and drinks mentioned above are the best you can find. All you have to do is replace the alcohol and the sodas with these natural juices and water sources. While you stay hydrated and healthy, you’ll also enjoy the added benefits that come with these drinks. If these are too hipster for you, you could always try these awesome smoothie recipes that are great for athletes.