It can be tempting to blame your metabolism for weight gain and other health problems. Although your metabolism influences your body’s energy needs, your digestive fire and physical activity, the foods you eat actually determine your weight and overall health. There are some foods that may increase your metabolism because they contain important elements that are vital to maintain a steady metabolism. The higher your metabolism, the more calories you burn and the easier it is to maintain your weight or get rid of unwanted body fat.
What is metabolism?
Metabolism is a process that involves biochemical and hormone reactions by which your body converts everything you eat and drink into energy. If you're trying to lose weight, increasing your metabolic rate may help you to lose more weight without cutting more calories. In scientific terms it is used to describe all the chemical reactions when it comes to maintaining the living state of the cells of an organism.
There are two main categories of metabolism namely catabolism and anabolism. Catabolism is the breakdown of molecules for the purpose of obtaining energy. On the other hand, anabolism is the synthesis of all the compounds that are needed by cells.
What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the total number of calories that your body needs to perform basic, life-sustaining functions. These basal functions include circulation, breathing, cell production, nutrient processing, protein synthesis heart beating, releasing hormones, growing and repairing cells, and all cell functions.
What is the Difference between slow and fast metabolism?
If you're putting on weight while eating the same kinds of food you've eaten for decades, your metabolism may be slowing down. Muscle burns more calories than fat tissue, but as you get older, you may be less active and your calorie-burning muscle turns into fat, leading to the metabolic slowdown. Genetics may be the major player in your fast metabolism. If you're a muscular man, you may have an innate higher metabolism, but your higher calorie burning may also be due to hard work. Working out and building muscle pay off when it comes to your metabolic rate, which is why athletes and body builders get to eat large quantities of food.
Healthy foods that can increase your metabolism
Egg whites
They contain proteins and vitamin D, which, among many other roles in the body, helps in the absorption of calcium by the digestive system.
Whey protein provides the body with the necessary building blocks to produce amino acids that are used for building muscle tissue. Both hormonal and cellular responses seem to be greatly enhanced with supplementation of whey protein as well. Whey protein also plays a role as an antioxidant and helps support a healthy immune system.
Green tea
It is now a well-known fact, that green tea can significantly boost the metabolism, as well as provide a variety of other health benefits. Green tea is delicious and it’s also rich in antioxidants that actively fight harmful free radicals.
Protein rich foods
Protein-rich foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts and seeds, could help increase your metabolism for a few hours. They do so by requiring your body to use more energy to digest them. This is known as the thermic effect of food (TEF). The TEF refers to the number of calories needed by your body to digest, absorb and process the nutrients in your meals.
Broccoli
Broccoli is also extraordinarily high in vitamins C, K and A. One serving of broccoli will also provide you with plenty of folate and dietary fiber, plus a variety of antioxidants. Broccoli is also one of the best detox foods you can add to your diet.
Lean meats
They contain a complete source of protein and are good sources of iron; iron deficiency has been associated with slow metabolism, as it also participates in many metabolic chemical reactions.
Others habits that may increase metabolism are increasing daily physical activity, exercise and eating regularly. Be sure to consult a certified nutritionist before making any changes to your diet, as requirements vary on an individual basis. For best results, change in your eating habits should be accompanied by an adequate exercise routine.
