The National Institutes of Health defines metabolism as "all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy." Food calories provide the energy for these body processes. Metabolic rates differ from person to person and can be raised or lowered through exercise and diet. A high metabolism means you burn more food calories each day performing body processes. Metabolic activity includes: digesting food, eliminating waste, circulating blood and controlling body temperature. Certain herbs increase the number of calories consumed performing these activities.
Cumin
St. Botanica, an herbal cosmetics company, states that cumin boosts the digestive powers of the body. Cumin regulates body acidity and increases hemoglobin, both of which contribute to optimal blood flow, which raises metabolism.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper causes the body to use increased energy and extra calories in digestion. Detoxclean.org states that cayenne pepper increases body metabolism by 25 percent. Add cayenne pepper to food or sprinkle a teaspoon in a glass of cold water for a metabolic boost.
Ginger
Marie Claire magazine reports that ginger has a thermogenic property that helps burn fat. This raises metabolism in two ways. First, the extra work of torching fat burns calories. Second, with excess fat gone, metabolism functions at a higher, more efficient level.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon increases blood circulation, which in turn increases metabolism. Women's Health magazine reports cinnamon also lowers blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. All of these cleansing aspects lead to an increased metabolism. Good Housekeeping reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that cinnamon can control post-meal insulin spikes, which regulates metabolism.
Turmeric
According to Drugdigest.org, turmeric contains powerful antioxidants that cleanse the system of heavy metals. This process creates by-product waste substances that are deposited into the bloodstream. This boosts metabolism because the body uses calories to eliminate the waste. Additionally, Drugdigest.org says turmeric lowers blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels, regulating metabolism.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an effective lever detoxifier, which in turn allows the body's metabolism to function at optimal speed. If the liver is bogged down with chemicals and toxins it slows metabolism. Ingest milk thistle in capsule or tincture form.
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