The Best Foods to Speed Up Your Metabolism

Your metabolism is the process where your body converts the foods consumed into a viable energy source. Some people genetically have a fast metabolism, while others struggle to keep weight off. Increasing overall lean mass is one of the most effective ways to speed up metabolism, however, there are foods that can aid this process, as well.

Green Tea

Green tea increases thermogenesis in your body and this speeds up your metabolism. According to a clinical study at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, green tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which increase thermogenesis. They work by preventing the breakdown of the hormone noradrenaline, which helps to regulate your metabolism.

Peppers

Peppers are one of the best metabolism stimulators. They contain a chemical called capsaicin, which speeds up metabolism and increases fat burn. It works after you eat a meal with peppers, to elevate metabolism and increase thermogenesis in the body. Jalapenos and chilis are a couple of hot peppers that are excellent sources of capsaicin.

Fish

According to research at the Universite Francois Rabelais in France, omega-3 fats may increase your metabolism and promote weight loss. Researchers investigated what effect consumption of fish oil has on body fat burning. They found that subjects whose diet contained 6 g of fish oil had better fat burning capabilites and less fat mass than the subjects who did not have fish oil in their diets.

Protein Rich Foods

Protein rich foods have a positive thermogenesis effect on the body, as opposed to diets high in carbohydrates and fat, states a 2007 clinical study from the Universidade Federal de Vicosa in Brazil. Include lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, eggs and cottage cheese into each of your daily meals.

References

• International Journal of Obesity: Green tea and thermogenesis: interactions between catechin-polyphenols, caffeine and sympathetic activity
• American Journal of Physiology: Obesity and thermogenesis related to the consumption of caffeine, ephedrine, capsaicin, and green tea
• International Journal of Obesity: Effect of dietary fish oil on body fat mass and basal fat oxidation in healthy adults
• Pubmed.gov: Macronutrient profile affects diet-induced thermogenesis and energy intake