Metabolism is the process through which your body transforms the food you eat into energy.
The basal metabolic rate (BMR) of your body helps maintain basic functions, such as cell renewal and repair, blood circulation, breathing and a hormonal balance, when you are resting.
Several things influence your basal metabolic rate, including age, gender, weight, height, body composition and your diet.
The faster your metabolic rate, the more energetic and active you are!
However, if your metabolic rate is slow, you may face some serious issues like fatigue, high cholesterol, muscle weakness, dry skin, weight gain, swollen joints, heavy menstrual discharge, depression and a slow heart rate. It is important that you boost your metabolism to keep your body healthy.
While it is true that metabolism is partly ruled by genetics, there are many ways to rev it up naturally. One way to do this is by eating foods that are known to help boost metabolism.
Here are the top 10 superfoods to boost your metabolism.
1. LEMONS
Lemons are an excellent food source for giving your metabolism an overdrive.
Lemons help in detoxifying your liver and cleansing the digestive system. The enzymes and vitamin C in lemons help in clearing toxins from the body by turning them into compounds that are eliminated from the body in the form of waste. This ultimately helps in improving your metabolic function.
Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon in a glass of warm water and drink it daily in the morning on an empty stomach to give a boost to your metabolism. You can also include lemons in your regular diet to flavor your food and also derive its health benefits.
2. GREEN TEA
When talking of metabolism boosters, green tea is one of the best superfoods. Loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea aids in improving your body’s metabolic activity.
A 1999 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that green tea has thermogenic properties and promotes fat oxidation beyond that explained by its caffeine content per se.
Later, a 2010 study published in Physiology & Behavior found green tea to be an effective strategy for weight loss and weight maintenance. The antioxidants in the form of caffeine and catechins in it help increase energy expenditure and counteract the decrease in metabolic rate that is present during weight loss.
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends drinking 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily to improve the metabolic activity of your body.
3. CAYENNE PEPPER
Cayenne pepper contains a compound known as capsaicin that has a positive impact on your body’s metabolic rate. Capsaicin has thermogenic properties that help cells convert energy into heat.
A 2008 study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry reports that capsaicin is associated with an increase in thermogenesis, which boosts body temperature and metabolism.
A 2011 study published in the Oxford Journal Chemical Senses substantiates the statement that capsaicin induces thermogenesis, thus helping in weight management.
Capsaicin enhances the activity of proteins inside fat cells that help break down fat, according to a study published in the Journal of Proteome Research in 2010. Researchers found that subjects fed a high-fat diet with capsaicin experienced greater decreases in body fat compared to the non-capsaicin group.
Another 2012 study published in Appetite found that cayenne pepper intake has potential benefit for weight management in three main areas – increased energy expenditure, increased lipid oxidation and reduced appetite.
Another 2013 study published in PLOS ONE shows that as much as 2.56 milligrams (mg) of capsaicin helps in promoting fat oxidation in the body.
4. GRAPEFRUITS
Grapefruits are rich in vitamin C that aids in improving the function of your metabolic system. Vitamin C regulates fat metabolism and aids in fat-burning.
Grapefruits also contain naringenin, a flavonoid, that has excellent antioxidant properties required for metabolism. Naringenin helps lower insulin levels in the blood. This in turn leads to balanced blood sugar levels and improved metabolism.
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food shows that obese people who included grapefruit, grapefruit juice and grapefruit capsules in their diet experienced significant weight loss at different levels. Insulin resistance was improved with fresh grapefruit.
Another study published in Nutrition and Metabolism in 2011 showed that combining a low-calorie diet with a glass of grapefruit juice or a snack of whole grapefruit has positive effects on energy balance, weight loss and body composition. There is also significantly greater benefits in lipid profiles.
For improved metabolism and quick weight loss, eat more fresh grapefruit with its fleshy white membranes or drink grapefruit juice with a high amount of pulp.
Note: As grapefruit juice and whole grapefruits can interact with certain prescription and nonprescription drugs, it is recommended to consult a doctor before including this fruit in your diet.
5. APPLES
While an apple a day is healthy in many ways, it can even give a boost to your metabolism and help you lose weight.
Low in calories and rich in soluble fiber, apples are excellent for those wanting to speed up their metabolism. Its fiber content also aids in digestion and bowel movement.
In fact, the fiber in apple keeps cells from absorbing fat and also encourages water absorption. This in turn helps remove fat deposits from the body, ensuring a boost to metabolic activity.
Plus, it helps you feel satiated for longer, preventing hunger pangs that lead to impulsive eating choices.
A 2009 study published in Appetite states that increasing levels of dietary fiber by eating a whole apple before a meal can be an effective strategy for increasing satiety and decreasing energy intake at a meal.
Additionally, the several B vitamins as well as vitamin K, potassium, magnesium and manganese in apples work together to turn fats, carbohydrates and protein that you consume throughout the day into energy. Green apples are particularly beneficial for boosting your metabolism.
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