Metabolism is a combined effect of the chemical processes that occur in our body on a cellular level. These processes enable various functions in our body like digestion, moving, and performing various functions. A properly boosted metabolism ensures that the body is functioning properly and has less risk of diseases. Low metabolism is linked with low immunity. When it’s low, you will experience headaches, flu, depression, and constipation to name a few. One of the main jobs is to break down the food and convert it into energy. Boosting metabolism simply means to lose the weight while preserving the muscle.
Here’s a list of all those food items that give your metabolism a boost:
1 Chilli Peppers
Chilli Peppers have a chemical compound called Capsaicin which burns the fat and increases the number of calories. Intake of capsaicin helps the body to burn 50 extra calories per day. They also have appetite reducing properties.
2. Coffee
Caffeine found in coffee increases metabolic rate by 11%. Having about three cups of coffee burns an extra 100 calories per day. Caffeine also helps to burn body fat for energy. They are effective for workout performance.
3 Legumes and Pulses
Legumes and Pulses like peas, peanuts, beans, and chickpeas are high in protein as compared to other plants. Research shows that high protein content requires the body to burn a large number of calories. They contain dietary fiber like soluble fiber and resistant starch which is used by the body to feed bacteria living in the intestines. These bacteria produce fatty acids which help the body to use stored fat as energy and maintain blood sugar levels. They are also rich in arginine, an amino acid that increases the number of carbs and fats.
4 Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is high in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). Once these fats are absorbed, they go to the liver so that it could be turned to energy. This makes them not to be stored as fat. Research shows that MCTs increase metabolic rate more than longer chain fats.
5 Tea
Tea has a combination of caffeine and catechins which boosts the metabolism. Oolong and green tea increase the metabolism by 4 – 10%. Apart from that, these help the body to store fat for energy effectively thereby increasing the fat burning ability by 17%.
6 Spices
Spices like ginger powder, cayenne, and grains of paradise help the body to burn more calories. Adding ginger powder to hot water and having it with a meal burns 43 more calories. Hot ginger drink decreases hunger levels. Adding grains of paradise has similar effects as that to ginger powder. Similarly, by adding cayenne pepper to the meals increases the amount of fat that the body burns for energy.
7 Cacao
Cacao and cocoa are treats that benefit the metabolism. It prevents the action of enzymes which break down the fat and carbs during digestion. Thus, they prevent gaining of weight by reducing the absorption of calories.
8. Water
If you want to stay hydrated, then you must have water regularly. Apart from this, drinking water boosts up the metabolism by 24-30%.
9 Seaweed
Seaweed is a rich source of iodine which is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones and proper functioning of the thyroid gland. They have important functions, one of them is to regulate the metabolic area. Regular intake of seaweed helps to meet the iodine needs, and metabolism runs at the highest rate. Fucoxanthin, a component found in seaweed helps with the metabolism.
10 Berries
All the fruits are rich in carbohydrates and fiber content which are important for boosting metabolism. Berries are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C which combats free radicals generated because of exercise. Berries help quicken the healing process.
11 Bone Broth
Bone Broth acts as a metabolism booster because of its protein, collagen, and mineral content. Collagen supports the mucosal barrier in the gut which is useful for supporting strong digestion and collection of nutrients.
12 Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is great for boosting metabolism. It helps to boost the stomach’s ability to produce Hydrochloric acid. It also enables to level blood sugar which helps to curb cravings.
13 Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains thermogenic properties. It means that when we consume it, the body automatically starts to burn calories throughout the day. Apart from metabolizing carbohydrates, it manages cravings for sweets.
14 Curry
Curry is a great choice for boosting metabolism as it combines different spices like hot peppers, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric which are great metabolism boosters. The heat produced from the curry boosts the metabolism.
15 Fish
Apart from being rich in protein, fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which boosts the metabolism. Omega-3 lowers the inflammation and blood sugar levels which raises the body’s metabolism. They help to decrease circulating stress hormones, in turn, increasing the body’s ability to burn fat.
16 Grapefruit
Grapefruit is usually associated with weight loss as it lowers the level of insulin. The fiber contents are helpful in boosting metabolism. Since it is rich in Vitamin C, it helps to keep the body healthy and ensures that the immune system works as it is supposed to.
17 Spinach
Spinach, also known as a leafy green, works great as a metabolism booster. Foods having high fiber content increases the burning of fat by 30%. It also provides iron to support healthy blood useful for efficient metabolism energy, and calcium to support muscle performance.
18 Watermelon
Adding a slice of watermelon in your diet is a great option for reducing the extra kilograms. They have a high concentration of arginine, an amino acid which speeds up the process of fat loss while increasing the mass of muscles.
19 Whole Eggs
Whole eggs are loaded with Vitamin D which repairs and rebuilds the hard-working muscles. If your body has more muscle mass, then it will be easier for the body to burn calories. The other sources of Vitamin D are salmon and tofu.
20 Avocado
Avocado is a great way to boost metabolism when it is eaten in the morning. They are rich in Omega -3 fatty acids which maintain the blood sugar levels. It is important for losing weight as it prevents cravings for food and energy crashes.
