Organic Foods That Boost Metabolism

Organic Foods That Boost Metabolism
Photo Credit Grapefruit image by Tim Soderby from Fotolia.com

Metabolism is the speed at which your body turns calories into energy. The slowing down of this process can cause your body to store extra fat. Your metabolism can slow down for many reasons, including age, lack of sleep or hardcore dieting. However, you can increase your metabolic rate to help your body burn fat faster. Along with exercise, nibbling on certain organic foods can encourage this increase and help you lose excess body fat.

Raw Nuts

Because they are lean proteins, several types of raw nuts can help boost your metabolism. Protein helps boost metabolism because it's packed with amino acids, which makes your body work harder and exert more energy to break it down and digest it. It also provides you with energy. Types of raw nuts that are considered lean protein are Brazil nuts, almonds and walnuts.

Certain Fruits

Some organic fruits, such as apples and pears, can help speed up metabolism, as they give your body natural sugars. These sugars, in turn, provide your body with energy and steady insulin levels, which keeps your metabolism up, says the Modern Mom website. Grapefruits also benefit metabolism, as the chemical components of the fruit help to reduce high levels of insulin.

Spicy Peppers

Spicy organic peppers contain the chemical capsaicin, which speeds up the metabolism by providing a transitory spike in stress hormones, allowing you to burn calories. Try jalapenos and cayenne peppers, or chilies and curry for spicy additions to your dishes; these tasty additives spike your metabolic rate by 40 percent for upwards of three hours, says the Common Sense Health site.

Low-Fat Dairy

While regular dairy products are good protein-rich foods, they are also packed with fat. Opt for low-fat organic dairy products for the same protein benefits--energy and a metabolism boost--without the added trouble. Try organic cottage cheese, milk, cheese or yogurt, plain or unsweetened, says the Modern Mom website. Yogurt is a prime choice, as it also offers added benefits by providing bacteria that aid digestion.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an excellent choice for a metabolism boost; body builders worldwide use it for this benefit, as well as for its abundant nutrient content. It's also good for your heart. Oatmeal is high in fiber and gives you energy, which steadies your insulin levels and keeps your metabolism up. Eat rolled oats or oatmeal other than instant, for the most nutrients.

References

Article reviewed by Paula Martinac Last updated on: Aug 8, 2010

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