People who are aiming to lose weight are concerned about boosting their metabolism. While some try to find means to do this, others are ignorant on the meaning of metabolism.

Metabolism is actually a chemical reaction that happens inside the body; it happens in order for the living thing to sustain life. Without metabolism, the body cannot support life. Think of the body as a machine. A machine will not function if it does not have any fuel and energy. The energy comes from food. The food is the one we ingest and this is actually the fuel. As it enters our body, it goes through various chemical reactions that will convert the fuel into energy. Every second, thousands of metabolic reactions are happening. From the blinking of our eyes, to the pumping of blood by our heart, to digesting of our food, or throwing that paper into the garbage can, to walking and running. All these require fuel, all these require energy and all these increases the metabolism.

It is therefore important to increase food intake if there is an increase in metabolism. But even if the foods are required in the metabolic process, there are specific foods that are by itself helpful in increasing the metabolism of our body. For those who are trying to decrease their weight, speeding up their metabolism is important. And these foods below may be helpful in boosting the metabolic processes of their bodies:

1. Water

   For many people, water is not considered as food, probably because water is perceived as low in nutrient density. But among the many foods in the world, water is perhaps the most nutritious with zero calories. No matter how much water you drink, you still gain zero calories. Our body is composed of at least 60 percent water. And it is recommended that we take at least 2 liters of water, either from other foods or straight from the glass. Although not necessarily a booster for metabolism, water can assist in the metabolism of fats. That is, if one drinks more water, and there is enough water in the body, fats are broken down faster yet efficiently.

   It is the kidneys function to regulate water, but if the body becomes depleted with water, the liver activates its role to regulate water by helping kidney store more water. Because of this, the function of the liver to convert fat to energy is diverted into storing more fluids. So instead of efficiently metabolizing fats, it cannot do its function anymore because of it is busy accumulating water to balance the fluids in the body. Therefore, dehydration leads to slow metabolism and drinking enough water speeds metabolism.

2. Green Tea

   Green tea is known for its vast health benefits, particularly protection from cardiovascular diseases. But aside from it, green tea is also being widely used by people who are trying to lose weight because of its ability to speed up the body’s metabolism and to oxidize fats. According to a study made by the University of Geneva in Switzerland which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, green tea boasts of its thermogenic properties. As the food is being eaten and digested by the body, the body itself is burning calories; this is called thermogenesis. Through the studies, researchers found out that while green tea is being digested, the body is burning more calories. This indicates that the more green tea is ingested, the more is the increase in metabolism.

3. Grapefruit

   When we are fasting, such as sleeping for eight hours at night, our liver breaks down fats and the sensitivity of insulin is increased. But this activity is replicated by naringenin, an antioxidant from grapefruit. In a research made by Massachusetts General Hospital and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, they found out that grapefruit’s narenginin has the capability to activate proteins called nuclear receptors. When these proteins are activated, the liver will automatically break down some of its stored fats. This antioxidant seems to imitate the process of an anti-diabetic, Rosiglitazone, and the lipid-lowering substance, Fenofibrate. If grapefruit taste bitter, blame that to naringin, a healthful flavonoid. When naringin reaches the intestines, it becomes naringenin, which can then boost the body’s metabolism.

4. Apples

   Why is the maxim “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” still persists? Well, blame it on the health benefits it can provide and its ability to break down lipids fast. In a study made at the Florida State University, researchers found out that those who are eating apple for 6 months were found out to have decrease in their LDL cholesterol. Moreover, when the subjects were weighed, they did not gain weight but instead lowered their weights by 3.3 lbs. The reason is pectin, which has the effect of increasing satiety and the capability to impede the absorption of fats.

5. Broccoli

   There is yet a study to be conducted to prove that broccoli has a direct effect on the body’s metabolism. But so far, broccoli can assist in speeding metabolism through its dietary fiber content. The dietary fiber in broccoli actually slows down digestion. When the digestive process is reduced, appetite is reduced too. Broccoli is also rich in iron and calcium, which has an effect on the increase absorption of these minerals into the body. As to speeding up metabolism, broccoli indirectly affects this process.

6. Oatmeal

   Oatmeal is widely known as breakfast food. Oatmeal is indeed a good choice for breakfast because enables your body to metabolize smoothly for the day. Highly rich in dietary fiber, oatmeal stays in the digestive tract longer, slows digestion and increases the breakdown of sugar and fat.

7. Cayenne Peppers

   Cayenne peppers and its relatives are rich in capsaicin compound. Not only does capsaicin separate peppers from other foods in terms of spiciness, but it also has the capability to speed up metabolism of the body. In a research made in Denmark, it was found out that increase in consumption of foods rich in capsaicin can actually increase thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is when the body converts energy to heat, the manifestation of hot pepper consumption. With thermogenesis, more fats are burned, metabolism is sped up.

Sources
fitnesstipsforlife.com
globalhealingcenter.com
blog.fitnesstown.ca