You’ve probably heard that B vitamins are an important part of having energy, but did you know that they help release energy and are not directly responsible for giving you energy?
B vitamins (thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9) and cobalamin (B12)) all work to help give you energy by helping the body break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the form the body can use, glucose. Once your body has glucose available, your muscles have the fuel they need and your brain has its main energy source, which helps you to concentrate. And voila, hello smarty pants!
Your best sources are animal based foods like:
- red meat
- poultry
- fish
Vegetarian sources are:
- brewer’s yeast
- fortified breads/cereals
- green leafy vegetables
Grilled halibut on a bed of steamed spinach with a side of fortified brown rice anyone?