Metabolism -- all of the processes in the body that convert or use energy -- has an impact on weight. Women generally have more body fat and less muscle mass than men and, because of this, have a lower metabolism and can gain weight easier, according to MayoClinic.com. Boosting metabolism may not always lead to losing weight for women, although paying attention to the number of calories eaten and increasing physical activity may affect both metabolism and weight. There are also a variety of foods that may help increase metabolism in women.
Green Tea
Drinking green tea may help women boost their metabolism. Research published in the December 1999 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that green tea increased metabolic rate, increasing energy expenditure. Additionally, caffeine and antioxidants in green tea helped study participants lose weight, according to the American Council on Exercise. In addition to green tea's impact on metabolism, green tea may also help prevent breast cancer, a serious problem for women -- the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website says that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, killing nearly 50,000 women each year. According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, it may also help prevent coronary artery disease, blood clots and high blood pressure. One tea bag of green tea contains zero calories and approximately 0.06mg of caffeine.
Almonds
Including almonds in the diet can help women increase their rate of metabolism. A Purdue University study published in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Nutrition reveals that eating nuts like almonds increase the metabolism. The study indicates that eating nuts in moderation is key, although since almonds and other nuts tend to give those who eat them a sense of stomach fullness, the high caloric value of almonds -- 205 calories for a 1/4-cup serving -- does not inhibit weight loss. In addition to the metabolic benefits to women, eating almonds may help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and gallstones. The World's Healthiest Foods website says that 1/4 cup of almonds provides 45 percent of the recommended daily intake of manganese and vitamin E and serves as a source of copper, vitamin B2 and phosphorus. In addition to 205 calories, a serving also contains 18g of fat.
Hot Peppers
Incorporating hot peppers into a woman's diet may help improve her metabolism. Research published in Cells and Culture in 2010 says that capsaicin, a compound found in hot peppers, increases metabolism. An May 2009 article on Ecosalon.com also indicates that, in addition to boosting metabolism, the capsaicin in hot peppers also increases heart rate, and a January 2007 Good Housekeeping article indicates that eating hot peppers can decrease appetite. Cayenne peppers, a type of hot pepper containing capsaicin, serve as a source of vitamin A, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website, providing approximately 45 percent of the daily recommended intake per 2.52g serving. Cayenne peppers are associated with decreasing inflammation and promoting cardiovascular health and immune function. A 2.52g serving of cayenne pepper contains just over 11 calories and .64g of fat.
References
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Efficacy of a Green Tea Extract
- American Council on Exercise: Green Tea Sparks Your Metabolism
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Breast Cancer Statistics
- Journal of Nutrition: Impact of Peanuts and Tree Nuts on Body Weight
- Cells and Culture: Effects of Capsaicin on Energy Metabolism by Human Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line Caco-2
- World's Healthiest Foods: Green Tea
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