It’s no secret that I love coffee. I love the smell, the taste and the feeling as it pours down my throat and warms my belly. But, I only allow myself one good quality cup a day. It can do quite a number on your digestive system and on your adrenal glands. Those little babies located above your kidneys need constant support in order for your hormonal cascade to be in check (or on fleek? Can I even use that here? Actually, should I ever use that?! I’ll just quit while I’m ahead)
Hmm sounds sexy eh? Hormonal cascade… rooooowwwr! No, but really, your hormones are super important for your body to function. Now, you may be thinking, “but Catherine, how do YOU stay so alert and energized while you’re working 14 hour days, staying up late every night trying to get more work done and then getting up early every day to do it all over again?!” Well, first thing’s first, try not to live this life, it’s ridiculous. But, I know that’s not a realistic demand for a lot of people. Apparently, my schedule is quite common nowadays.
Here’s my answer to that question…
1. Fuel your body properly with clean foods, exercise and hydration;
2. Try your very best to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night even if it feels impossible;
3. It’s okay to enlist a bit of natural support sometimes when all else fails.
I want to talk to you about one of the members of what I would like to call my Natural Support Team. Herbal concoctions are my jam cause I love me some ingestible plants with added benefits! If I could, I would live out in the country and become a weird hippy medicine woman who grows all of my own herbs and dances to the light of the moon every evening. But, I’m way too much of a city girl for that scenario. Plus, I don’t think I need to take it quite that far just yet. Or ever, really.
I just need to address something briefly before I fill you in. As a Nutritionist, there are a lot of sentences out there that can make me cringe. One of them is “energy drinks”. I’m not down with those for many reasons. One of them being the ingredients that they use to “energize” you. There’s a fine line on what you should and shouldn’t be consuming when it comes to them. Also, be aware that just because something states that it’s “natural”, doesn’t mean that it’s good for you or the right fit for your body. So, always make sure you’re doing your due diligence by informing yourself before consuming anything.
So, who’s this member of my Natural Support Team anyways? Volta by Landart is a botanical energy shot which gives you a natural boost for up to 8 hours. Formulated and manufactured here in Canada, it was created by a biologist, a chemist, a nutrition specialist, a naturopath and a flavourist!
What are the active ingredients in this tasty little bottle of magic?
Siberian Ginseng
Using the root of the plant as the medicinal part, it’s an adaptogenic herb. This means that it’s fantastic for helping your body to deal with stress. It’s also used to increase physical and mental performance.
Schisandra
Also an adaptogenic herb, the fruit is the part of the plant used medicinally. It’s been known to help increase energy, physical performance, endurance and regulate blood pressure. It’s used as a powerful antioxidant and as a stimulant to the central nervous system. It’s also used to promote liver cell growth, thus improving overall liver function.
Yerba Mate
It is used primarily as a mental stimulant to increase cognitive performance. The leaves are the parts that are harvested medicinally and are generally utilized in tea form. It does contain caffeine though, but much less than coffee.
Kola Nut
As the seed of the plant, it’s used for short-term relief of mental and physical fatigue. It contains caffeine which acts as a stimulant and it has also been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac.
L-Carnitine
This is an amino acid naturally produced within the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. This one is generally used in supplementation to produce more energy and mobilize fat. It can help with brain function, movement, heart function, endurance and to increase muscle recovery.
The remaining ingredients in Volta are also 100% natural. They include purified water, fruit juices for added antioxidants with a bit of stevia to balance the overall flavour of the other herbs. It’s also gluten-free, vegan and has no sugar added. Next time you’re looking for a delicious little natural boost, try recharging your batteries with Volta.
For more information or to find out where you can grab yourself a bottle, visit LandArt.ca
Photos: LandArt
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In health,
Catherine Sugrue, CNP
Holistic Nutritionist