Metabolism is the process in which ingested foods are converted into energy at a chemical level. When metabolism is increased, calories are burned off quickly and efficiently, even at a state of rest. While regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training are the best ways to boost metabolism and lose weight, some studies to suggest that drinking coffee can increase metabolism. Always consult your doctor before starting any metabolism boosting diet or exercise regimen.
Metabolism
Metabolism refers to the amount of energy, or calories, that your body uses to maintain itself. Metabolism is usually calculated at a resting state, or when a person is sitting still. Every person has a different rate of metabolism, that is, each individual burns a different amount of calories at a state of rest. These differences are due to genetics, body structure, activity levels and diet.
Increasing Metabolism with Coffee
Coffee increased metabolism in a study conducted in 1980 published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "Caffeine and Coffee: Their Influence on Metabolic Rate and Substrate Utilization in Normal Weight and Obese Individuals." This study revealed that metabolism was increased three hours after coffee consumption in overweight and average-weight individuals. Although metabolism was increased for both groups, fat oxidation, the process in which fats are broken down, only occurred in the normal-weight group. There is much controversy over whether or not this increase in metabolism actually leads to a significant amount of weight loss. Even so, many people use coffee to boost energy levels and start their day effectively, potentially leading to a productive, active lifestyle.
Caffeinated Beverages and Weight Gain
While coffee and other caffeinated beverages have been shown to increase metabolism, they can also cause weight gain. This is not due to the caffeine itself, but due to speciality coffee drinks, coffee creamers, sodas, and energy drinks that contain large amounts of sugar. Sugars, when consumed in excess, are stored as fat within the body. Even when caffeine is consumed along with the sugar, the boost in metabolism is not enough to metabolize the sugars present in the caffeinated drinks and it is usually stored as fat instead of being used as energy. To avoid weight gain, consume black coffee, sugar free sodas and sugar free energy drinks.
Other Ways to Boost Metabolism
The best way to boost metabolism is to exercise regularly. Cardiovascular exercise increases the heart rate during exercise and boosts metabolism, causing extra calories to burn off. Even after exercise is completed, the metabolism remains elevated for hours after the work-out is completed. Strength training is another way to boost metabolism. Muscle is more effective than fat at raising metabolic levels, so increasing muscle mass will boost metabolism. If you have a muscular build, you will be more likely to burn more calories at a resting state than an individual with a lower muscle mass. Eating small, frequent meals will boost metabolism. Skipping meals slows the metabolism because no extra calories are there for it to process. By eating healthy and frequent meals, the metabolism is always working, and more calories are being burned.
References
- DocStoc: Caffeine and Coffee and their Influence on Metabolic Rate and Substrate Utilization in Normal Weight and Obese Individuals
- Kirtland Community College: What is Metabolism and Why is it Important; Lisa Balbach
- Calories Per Hour.com: Raise Your Metabolism and Burn More Calories
- Mayo Clinic: Energy Drinks: Do They Really Give Me Energy?; Katherine Zeratsky
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