What Fruits Jump Start Metabolism?

Dec 14, 2010 | By Ashley Tyson

Your metabolism processes the food you consume and coverts it to energy or fat. The most effective way to jump-start your metabolism is partaking in regular physical activity. In addition, eating certain fruits can also gear up your metabolism to help you burn fat faster and more effectively. Adding these fresh foods to your diet can aid in weight loss while also benefiting your overall health.

Bananas

Bananas are a rich source of potassium, the element needed to maintain proper hydration for optimized metabolic activity. In the book "100 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism," Ben Greenfield says that the abundance of potassium in bananas helps to fuel your cells for proper muscle contraction, stabilization of blood pressure and the transmission of electrochemical impulses, which are all essential in jump-starting your metabolism, particularly during exercise. Although bananas have an unfair reputation as the "fat fruit," they are actually more conducive to weight loss than other fruit varieties, the author notes.

Blueberries

These small berries contain a plenitude of anti-cancer antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C and various phytochemicals beneficial to your health. The vitamin C in blueberries, for example, helps to burn fat and prevent the formation of cholesterol -- the arterial plaque responsible for heart disease, Sareen Gropper et al. say in the book "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism." The combination of potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants helps to rev up the metabolism for an effective workout with fat-burning results.

Grapefruit

Adding grapefruit to your breakfast can help boost your metabolism and encourage fat burning. This citrus fruit helps to reduce insulin levels that bolster the rate of fat consumption, according to the book "Fat Burning Foods" by C. Elias. Grapefruit is also an excellent source of fiber, which helps to regulate the digestive system for weight maintenance. The author recommends eating grapefruit for breakfast or prior to exercise.