There are many things about metabolism that can’t be changed, such as age, gender, and inherited genes. Luckily, there is one major factor that you can control: diet. Below are some of the most effective foods and drinks for naturally boosting your metabolism:
Salmon:
Salmon and other fatty fish such as sardines and mackerel are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to balance fat-burning hormones in the body. Salmon is also rich in protein, which requires more calories to digest than either fat or carbohydrates.
Milk:
Research suggests that a calcium deficiency can significantly slow metabolism. The vitamin D contained in milk also plays an important role in the preservation of muscle tissue. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, a glass of milk each day is a great way to bolster your metabolism, especially for women and older people more prone to calcium deficiency.
Chili Peppers:
The spicy flavor of chili peppers comes from capsaicin, a chemical that can temporarily help boost metabolism by raising your body temperature. Studies suggest that spicy foods also act as a mild appetite suppressant, an extra benefit for anyone struggling to cut down on their daily caloric intake.
Fresh Fruit:
Eating more fruit can benefit your metabolism in a number of ways. The fiber in fruit takes longer for the body to digest than simple carbohydrates, burning more calories in the process. The high water content also combats dehydration, which can slow your metabolism to a crawl. Finally, they serve as a perfect snack throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels consistent, preventing insulin spikes that may encourage fat storage.
Green Tea:
Like coffee, green tea contains caffeine, a powerful stimulant that can boost your metabolism by as much as 12%. Green tea also boasts powerful antioxidants known as catechins, which encourage the body to metabolize fat cells. A freshly brewed cup of green tea is the perfect way to jumpstart your metabolism in the morning.
Yogurt:
Yogurt contains powerful probiotics, healthy bacteria that have been shown to promote fat loss in women. Yogurts and other fermented foods also contain fatty acids that boost fat burning potential even further. For maximum benefit, look for plain or low-sugar yogurt.
Lean Beef:
High-protein diets are ideal for anyone looking to boost their metabolism, since protein requires more energy to digest. Lean cuts of beef are some of the best sources of quality protein, and they also rich in iron, which the body uses to carry the oxygen needed to burn fat.
The bottom line is that diet plays an enormous role in keeping your metabolism running smoothly and efficiently. By incorporating some of the foods above into your diet, it is possible to burn significantly more calories each day without requiring any major lifestyle changes.
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