Your basal metabolic rate is the number of calories your body burns each day while at rest. In order to accelerate weight loss, more people are turning to supplements to help boost their metabolism to increase the amount of calories they automatically burn each day. For best results, pair your supplements with regular physical activity and a balanced low-calorie diet comprised of whole grains, leafy greens and lean proteins.
Supplementing Your Metabolism
Your metabolism is a complex biochemical process in which the calories contained in food and beverages are combined with oxygen to release energy for the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, your basal metabolic rate accounts for 60 to 75 percent of the calories you burn every day, and it is largely determined by your body size, age and gender. In addition to taking supplements such as green tea or kelp, which may improve your basal metabolic rate, adopting a regular cardiovascular exercise routine can offer long-term benefits to your metabolism.
Green Tea Extract
According to studies cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea extract may boost metabolism and help accelerate the rate at which you burn fat. One study involving a sample of overweight and moderately obese individuals linked the combination of green tea and caffeine to higher levels of weight loss. Although there is still some uncertainty as to why green tea boosts the metabolism, some researchers point to the polyphenol compounds known as catechins found in tea leaves. While it is possible to receive green tea's metabolism benefits by adding a cup of the prepared beverage to your eating routine, capsules containing high volumes of green tea extract can also be consumed as an herbal supplement.
Kelp
Although proponents of kelp supplements claim a variety of metabolism and weight-loss benefits, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports that no meaningful scientific studies have found any conclusive evidence. A popular dietary supplement in Japan, Alaska and Hawaii, kelp is high in folic acid and other vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrient-rich food supplement. Kelp is frequently advertised as a metabolism booster and a weight-loss product, and some evidence has linked moderate consumption with reduced blood pressure, cancer prevention and the prevention of viruses such as influenza, herpes and HIV. Due to its high iodine content, high levels of kelp consumption can lead to thyroid problems in certain individuals.
Safety Concerns
Talk to your doctor before adding a metabolism-boosting supplement to your diet. While kelp and green tea are generally safe for moderate levels of consumption, some individuals may react in a negative manner. For a natural method of improving your basal metabolic rate, add at least 30 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular exercise to your daily schedule.
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