What Foods Trigger Fat Burning Hormones In The Body?

One of the fat-burning hormones in the body is insulin, which helps regulate when fat will be stored and when it will be burned. According to the textbook "Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology," the body fat-burning mechanism relies on factors like genetics, metabolism, environmental and hormonal changes. Though no diet promises pure fat burning, there are certain foods you can eat to trigger the hormones that have a part in fat burning.

Peppers

Most peppers contain the enzyme capsaicin, which can directly affect your body's ability to burn more fat. According to the book "Crack the Fat-Loss Code," the key to losing fat is to cause the body to use fat storages as its primary energy source. Capsaicin, peppers and spicy foods also increase the metabolism slightly, as it takes more energy to break down these foods than others, so you will burn more fat than adopting a pepper-free diet. Because peppers are a vegetable, they are also higher in fiber, which takes longer for the body to digest and triggers the body's fat-burning hormones. Look for peppers like red, yellow and orange bell, jalapenos or habaneros.

Eggs

Foods that are high in protein and fiber are always beneficial in triggering the body's fat-burning hormones. Since it takes more energy to break down proteins and fiber, the body does not go into a state of spiked insulin levels and ends up burning more fat than it stores. Eggs also contain the vitamin B12, which helps the body break down fats. Egg whites are full of protein and can be consumed as a snack or as part of an entire meal, like in a sandwich or omelet to which you can add fresh vegetables. Eating the egg yolk is also a source of healthy cholesterol and will provide you with the healthy type of fat that your body does need to function properly.

Beans and Legumes

Like eggs, beans and legumes are full of protein and help trigger the body's fat-burning hormones. Some of the best kinds of beans are lima beans, kidney beans, white beans and navy beans; beans and legumes are also high in iron. Legumes include moong beans, lentils and chick peas. Try to avoid refried or baked beans, as they contain saturated fat and sugar, which spikes your insulin levels and causes you to store fat rather than burn it. Like peppers and eggs, beans can be consumed as a snack---like a bowl of soybeans---or as part of an entire meal, like in a falafel that is made with hummus and lentils.