10 Foods That Boost Metabolism
Our bodies are able to run mainly due to chemical processes. These processes are known collectively as metabolism. Metabolism includes the ability to process the food we eat to get nutrients and energy from it. Some people have a higher or lower metabolism than others, and this will have an impact on their lives.
People with a low metabolism tend not to feel energetic because they will use less energy than people with a high metabolism. Using less energy also means that energy is likely to be stored as fat, and this can result in obesity.
Fortunately, there are numerous foods that can give our metabolism a boost, making us feel better and more energetic. This article looks at 10 foods that can boost your metabolism.
Metabolism Boosting Food #1: Chili Peppers
Chili peppers originated in Mexico, although they are now grown in many other parts of the world. Their main purpose is to add spiciness to dishes and some can be very hot indeed. In addition to being used to help add some kick to meals, chili peppers have also been used for medicinal purposes.
One of the main health benefits that chili peppers give us is that they can help to boost our metabolism. This is thanks to the presence of capsaicin, which is the compound responsible for making chili peppers as fiery as they are. Studies have shown that chili peppers can help people to lose weight by helping them burn stored fat.
Metabolism Boosting Food #2: Eggs
We should all try to get as many eggs in our diet as we can. This is because they are one of the most nutrient-dense foods around. They are packed full of the highest quality proteins as well as other important vitamins and minerals. Their high protein content means our bodies are able to undergo growth and repair.
The high protein content in eggs also means that they can provide a boost to our metabolism. Studies have shown that people that include a lot of protein in their diets have higher metabolic rates than those that don’t. Another benefit is that eggs are simply delicious and that they can be prepared in a wide variety of ways.
Metabolism Boosting Food #3: Coffee
In the mornings, millions of kitchens around the world are full of the aroma of fresh coffee brewing. It tastes great, but it is also drunk because it is able to give us a much-needed boost after we have just woken up. This is thanks to the presence of a well-known natural stimulant, which we know as caffeine.
Caffeine has the effect of stimulating our bodies into burning up more energy, helping us to feel more alert. Bear in mind though that too much caffeine can be bad for you so you should avoid drinking too much coffee. If coffee is not to your taste then you can try drinking tea instead, which has a similar effect.
Metabolism Boosting Food #4: Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable that is in the same family as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. It is very nutritious and it is highly advisable to include it in your diet, even if it is not to your taste. You will often find them served with other vegetables as part of a main meal.
In addition to being packed full of vitamins and minerals, broccoli is also effective at helping to give our metabolism a boost. This is because broccoli contains a compound known as glucoraphanin and this can help to enhance our metabolism while also reducing the levels of fat in our blood.
Metabolism Boosting Food #5: Chocolate
Chocolate is one of those delicious treats that so many people find irresistible. It really is delicious but, unfortunately, it also tends to be very high in calories. Eating too much of it can lead to obesity, but that does not mean to say that including some in your diet will necessarily do you harm. In fact, the occasional treat of chocolate could be very good for you.
Chocolate is made from the cocoa plant and this has compounds that are thought to be able to stimulate our metabolism, and it can encourage our bodies to turn to our fat reserves for energy. You should try to shop for dark chocolate because it has been processed less than other types of chocolate.
Metabolism Boosting Food #6: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often used as a remedy for a wide range of conditions from curing colds to healing wounds. It is sometimes used in cooking, although it is also often used as a topical remedy or ingested as a remedy, as it is or mixed with some other ingredients.
It is also thought that apple cider vinegar can give a boost to our metabolism and a study performed on mice showed that it can also encourage the burning of stored fat. It can also offer some other benefits such as helping to keep us feeling full. It is readily available and is also very easy to use.
Metabolism Boosting Food #7: Lentils
Lentils are a type of legume, putting them in the same family as peas. They originate from Central and Western Asia and are now grown all over the world. Lentils are a very common addition to meals on the Indian subcontinent, while they are also found in cuisines from other parts of the world.
Lentils are a good source of fiber and protein. The fiber helps to keep the digestive system healthy, and this can help enhance our metabolism, while the protein also gives our metabolism a boost. Lentils are also delicious and can be prepared in a wide variety of ways.
Metabolism Boosting Food #8: Coconut Oil
The white flesh of a fresh coconut is simply delicious, while coconut water is also very refreshing on a hot day. Coconut is often eaten as it is while it is also used as an ingredient in cakes, pastries, and some candies. It can also be used to make coconut oil and this can offer various health benefits over other types of oil.
Coconut oil is a good source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are compounds that, once ingested, are sent directly to the liver. There, they are turned into energy, giving our metabolism a boost. Studies have also shown that they may be able to encourage the use of stored fats as fuel.
Metabolism Boosting Food #9: Brazil Nuts
The Brazil nut is a type of nut that comes from South America. Brazil nuts are known for having a particularly tough shell, although the effort of breaking the nut is well worth the reward. The nuts not only taste great but they are also very nutritious.
As with other types of nuts, brazil nuts have a high calorific value, which means lots of energy. They are also a good source of healthy fats and proteins, which are energizing and help to keep us feeling full. What’s more is that Brazil nuts are also a source of selenium, which is important for maintaining our metabolism.
Metabolism Boosting Food #10: Leafy Vegetables
It is quite unfair that our least favorite foods are often those that taste the best. While some people are fortunate enough to enjoy leafy green vegetables, many other people find them unpleasant on the palate. Despite this, there is no doubting that they are very good for us, so we should try to include them in our diet as much as possible.
Leafy, green vegetables are generally a good source of iron, and this can help to give our metabolism a boost. Some types are also a good source of magnesium and this can also provide a boost to our metabolism.
