Metabolism is described as the chemical reactions in your body that convert foods into the energy needed to perform important functions, such as moving, thinking, growing and developing, according to Scott Isaacs and Neil Shulman, authors of the book "Hormonal Balance: Understanding Hormones, Weight, and Your Metabolism." Your metabolic rate is the pace at which you body converts the calories from these foods into energy. Age, insomnia and excessive dieting can cause your metabolic rate to slow and result in weight gain. A variety of foods can increase your metabolism, support weight loss and keep your body functioning at an optimal level.
Green Tea
Drinking green tea can help increase your metabolism. According to Christopher Still, author of the book "Adult Obesity FAQs," green tea is loaded with polyphenols, chemical compounds that can improve your energy levels, balance your hormones, reduce high blood pressure, decrease inflammation in your body and increase the amount of calories and fat your body burns. Other foods rich in polyphenols include blueberries, onions, cantaloupes, celery, cherries, cranberries, grapefruits, oranges, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, red grapes, black tea and raspberries.
Hot Chili Peppers
Adding spicy chili peppers to your meals can help boost your metabolism. Hot chili peppers contain high levels of capsaicin, a chemical that detoxifies your body, elevates your body temperature, improves digestion, increases calorie and fat burning and accelerates your heart rate, according to Kenneth Carroll, author of the book "Diet, Nutrition, and Health." Other foods rich in capsaicin include habanero chili peppers, Thai peppers, cayenne peppers and jalapeno peppers.
Water
Drinking 48 to 64 oz. of water on a daily basis can speed up your metabolism. Joyce Johnson, author of the book "Fluids and Electrolytes Demystified" explains that water prevents dehydration, flushes out toxins and impurities and helps your body burn extra calories and fat. Foods with a high water concentration include grapes, oranges, watermelon and tomatoes.
Grapefruits
Snacking on grapefruits between meals can help accelerate your metabolism. According to David Mela, author of the book "Food, Diet and Obesity," grapefruits are loaded with vitamins and fiber, nutrients that can reduce your insulin levels, prevent fat from storing in your cells and help eliminate wastes from your body. Other high fiber foods include raisins, figs, apples, brown rice, barley, oat bran, artichokes, broccoli, bran flakes, lentils, black beans, carrots, Brussels sprouts, pecans and almonds.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Adding apple cider vinegar to your green vegetables can help increase your metabolic rate. According to Jack Challem and Ronald Hunninghake, authors of the book "Stop Pre-Diabetes Now: The Ultimate Plan to Lose Weight and Prevent Diabetes," apple cider vinegar contains ethanoic acid, a chemical compound that reduces your blood sugar levels, speeds up fat burning, improves your energy levels and increases blood flow to your tissues and organs.
References
- "Hormonal Balance: Understanding Hormones, Weight, and Your Metabolism"; Scott Isaacs and Neil Shulman; 2006
- "Adult Obesity FAQs"; Christopher D. Still; 2007
- "Food, Diet and Obesity"; David J. Mela; 2005
- "Stop Pre-Diabetes Now: The Ultimate Plan to Lose Weight and Prevent Diabetes"; Jack Challem and Ronald Hunninghake; 2008
- "Fluids and Electrolytes Demystified"; Joyce Y. Johnson; 2007
- "Diet, Nutrition, and Health"; Kenneth K. Carroll; 1990
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