The body converts food and drink into energy through a biochemical process called metabolism, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Food and beverage calories combine with oxygen to provide the body with the energy it needs to function. Autonomic systems such as breathing, cell repair, blood circulation and hormone adjustment require energy to function even when the body is at rest. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) in each person is determined by a number of factors including age, sex and body size. Ten percent of the body's BMR is determined by food processing, while the other 90 percent is determined by physical activity. While increasing physical activity is the best way to speed up body metabolism, there are properties in various foods that also can help.
Fish
Fish high in Omerga-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and trout, can help to regulate body metabolism and keep it from slowing down, reports Dr. Gary Gendron, a nutritionist at the Integrated Medical Center in Florida. Enzymes in the body are affected by Omega-3 fatty acids and provide an efficient means for burning fat. Gendron reports that 300 milligrams of the healthy fatty acids can increase metabolism by up to 400 calories per day.
Protein
Protein has a higher thermic effect on the body, which means it requires more energy to process, reports nutritionist Joy Bauer, author of Food Cures. Some form of lean, low-fat protein, such as dairy and meat products should be eaten at every meal to maximize metabolic activity. Bauer also suggests eating every four to five hours to make sure the metabolism remains engaged and does not go into a fat-storing phase to provide the body with the energy it needs to live.
Fiber
Since high fiber foods require a higher amount of digestion to process, they automatically boost metabolism by using up more energy. Whole grain breads and pastas, fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber to boost metabolism. Breakfast is a good time to eat a high fiber meal because it boosts the metabolism after a long period of reduced activity.
Fruit
In addition to the fiber provided by fresh fruit to boost metabolism, certain fruits have added metabolism-boosting properties. Gendron reports that the potassium in bananas helps to regulate body fluids, providing a slight boost in metabolism rates. One banana provides as much as 400 milligrams of potassium. The pectin in apples helps to regulate blood sugar, which allows the body to metabolize sugar and carbohydrates more effectively.
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