Whether used as a replacement for your morning coffee or for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, drinks containing caffeine  and other stimulates are the norm in most households. From coffee to Red Bull, everyone has their favorite but not all are good for you and some can have adverse health affects.

Here are 6 natural healthy ingredients to look for in your caffeinated beverage of choice:

Caffeine. The health benefits of caffeine are extensive and affect numerous facets of our health. A 2017 meta-analysis found caffeine to significantly improve cognition by boosting alertness and enhancing performance in motor tasks. The same study also noted a positive link between caffeine intake and decreased incidence of neurological decline associated with aging.

But, when consuming caffeine you want to look for natural caffeine and avoid synthetic caffeine.

Synthetic caffeine is produced by chemical synthesis of urea as a raw material, which is then combined with different chemicals such as methyl chloride and ethyl acetate. When caffeine is made synthetically, it is produced with a much higher concentration and is absorbed much faster by the body. 

Natural caffeine is the type of caffeine that is naturally found in foods like coffee, tea, and chocolate. Caffeine from green tea and guarana is especially beneficial. Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee but enough to produce an effect. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can work synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function.

But there are other natural sources to give us a boost besides caffeine.

Guarana is derived from the seeds of a South American tree. Because it’s high in caffeine, guarana has become a popular energy supplement. It is also rich in antioxidants, can improve focus, and research has shown that guarana may improve your ability to learn and remember.But there are other natural sources to give us a boost besides caffeine.

Ginseng Root has been shown to increase energy, sharpen cognitive function and even have anti inflammatory properties.

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a compound that helps generate energy in your cells. It’s good for the brain, and can increase energy & improve performance. Your body produces CoQ10 naturally, but its production tends to decrease with age.

Chromium. You may not know much about chromium, an essential trace mineral, but it’s an important substance that helps metabolize macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat) and provide energy to the muscles and brain. Chromium doesn’t naturally occur in the body, so it must be added through diet.

B vitamins. Vitamin B12 along with B6 are best for energy. Almost every cell in the body uses B12. Besides helping form red blood cells, B12 converts fat and protein to energy. A B12 deficiency causes tiredness and anemia. But B1 & B3 provide a lot of energy as well. B6 manages energy and helps sustain vigor. 

When choosing a beverage to give that extra boost, make sure it doesn’t contain a lot of sugar. You may get a quick pick me up, but then comes the crash leaving your feeling even more tired than before.

If you would like to try an energy drink that contain all 6 of these healthy ingredients, click here to learn about my favorite, delicious daily go to!