Metabolism is a word whose meaning encompasses every thing the body does to keep human beings alive, which includes the proper function of the organs, the digestion of food and breathing. Age, gender, or even weight can be the factors that determine the metabolism rate. Besides, this set of biochemical reactions is linked closely with nutrition, and foods such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, etc. Proper nutrition is responsible for healthy metabolism.
Basal metabolic rate is often called BMR for short. It is what tracks the minimum energy it takes your body to burn the maximum calories. This rate will account for 40-70% of the energy your body needs daily to live up to this rate. This percentage also depends on several factors—such as weight, age and what your lifestyle is. In other words, how active are you? When someone says they have slow metabolism, what they actually mean is low BMR.
1. Whole Grains: We often think that carb is the enemy but whole grains like oats and barley have great nutritional value and can even help control your appetite, eventually leading to a better metabolism.
2. Red Beans: Beans are often suggested for those wanting to lose weight because their nutrient makeup is such that they have a very positive effect on your metabolism.
3. Garlic: Garlic and other foods in the allium family (onions, leeks, chives, shallots, and scallions) work to stimulate the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that is especially important in the liver, where it helps remove hormone-disrupting chemicals. Alliums also lower total cholesterol while raising the level of HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind). Preliminary research suggests that garlic may boost testosterone, giving you more energy, while onions have anthocyanins, effective free-radical destroyers that might also help combat obesity and diabetes.
4. Milk and yogurt: Milk is a rich source of calcium and some of the recent studies hold that regular calcium intake can help the body metabolize fat efficiently. Yogurt is well known for being rich in probiotics, the good bacteria that helps in digestion and keeps you cool. Cottage cheese is rich in protein and it can help you build, maintain and repair muscles.
5. Almonds: Research suggests that almonds and other tree nuts can help you out due to the essential fatty acids they contain. This should be taken only as a snack in very small quantity, because their fat content can undo any boost they have to your metabolism.
6. Green Tea: When caffeine is abused, it damages your metabolism and hormone balance. On the other hand, caffeine, when used correctly, can be an excellent energy and metabolism boost. When you overdose on it, it taxes your adrenal glands, stressing you out, leaving you tired and run down.
Read also:
10 Signs You’re Addicted to CoffeeIs Tea Really Safer Than Coffee?7. Lemon: Adding a lemon wedge or slice to your water does more than just make it taste better, it also helps to cleanse the digestive tract.
8. Green vegetables: Garden fresh vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, spinach and avocados are high in minerals, protein and iron content which provide you with truckloads of energy to fulfill your daily requirements and keep you going.
9. Fish: Oily fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which can increase your metabolism significantly. Fish oil can increase the levels of fat burning enzymes in your body.
10. Cucumbers: They are packed with water, so they help to hydrate your body, plus they have plenty of vitamins, nutrients, and fiber, all with very low caloric levels.
11. Nuts and Seeds: Dry fruits are a powerhouse of energy. Nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios have numerous health advantages. Nuts are great sources of protein. Since protein has a high thermic effect your body will have to burn more fats to digest these. Seeds like sunflower seeds and flax seed also help in lifting your metabolism.
12. Apples and Pears: Studies show that these two fruits help boost metabolism and speed up weight loss. Research performed by the State University of Rio de Janeiro found that women eating three small apples or pears daily lost more weight than women who did not.
13. Water: Almost 2/3 of our body weight is “water weight”. Blood is 83% water. Muscles are 75% water, the brain is 74% water, and bone is 22% water. So what do you think happens when we aren’t adequately hydrated? Our bodily processes can’t function optimally. We’re depriving them of an essential nutrient. Without chemicals, additives, or anything unnatural, a steady dose of 8 glasses of water a day (ideally 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water) will improve your energy, increase your mental and physical performance, remove toxins & waste products from your body, keep skin healthy and glowing, help you lose weight, reduce headaches and dizziness, allow for proper digestion, and help to keep you more Alkaline (prevents the buildup of acids).
Read also:
10 Most Nutrient-dense Foods6 Foods to Boost Your Productivity At WorkFantastic Healthy Food Options to Help You Lose WeightAbout the Writer: Eniola Adeniji is a woman after God’s own heart, a motivational Writer, Speaker, Fashion and Photography addict. She is also a Business Developer, Social Media Manager and the founder of Woman Of Value. She blogs at ennmae.wordpress.com
