Metabolism is how your body converts food into energy. This complex biochemical process uses oxygen and the calories procured from diet to release energy within the body for proper functioning. If you starve yourself, your metabolism will slow down, according to MayoClinic.com. Eating a well-balanced diet will keep your metabolism normal, while certain herbs may help to speed it up -- although, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim.
Ginger
Ginger may help rev up your metabolism and assist in burning more calories, according to Jean Carper in the book "Food -- Your Miracle Medicine." Eating a small amount of ginger each day may increase metabolic energy use by up to 20 percent, Carper says. This is due to the compound gingerol, which is what also gives the herb its pungent taste.
Nettles
Nettles is not only metabolism-friendly, but it is also a source of vitamin C and E, calcium, magnesium, silica and potassium, according to Linda Page in the book "Detoxification." It helps stimulate the metabolism while also acting as a natural diuretic to cleanse the blood and body. It also has expectorant and hemostatic properties, Page says. Nettles can also assist in weight loss as it curbs the appetite as well as boosting the metabolism.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root boosts the metabolism while also aiding in the break down of fats, according to Brigitte Mars in the book "Healing Herbal Teas." It also helps stimulate the body and remove accumulated toxins from vital organs such as the liver. Mars recommends using dandelion root as a weight-loss supplement because it can help reduce water weight and fat content within the body.
References
- "Food -- Your Miracle Medicine"; Jean Carper; 1994
- "Detoxification"; Linda Page; 1998
- "Healing Herbal Teas"; Brigitte Mars; 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Metabolism
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