Metabolism is the process in which your body converts food into energy. Thousands of chemical reactions occur to break down the food and use the necessary nutrients to keep the body functioning. A faster metabolism means more calories are burned and more weight is lost. Many people want to increase their metabolism when trying to diet without raising their blood pressure. Some simple and natural strategies can help you speed up your metabolism. Consult your physician before making any dietary changes.
Step 1
Eat breakfast every day. Without breakfast, your body feels like it might be suffering from starvation and your metabolism will slow down. Choose heart-healthy foods like oatmeal or bran cereal with yogurt and fruit to boost metabolism without increasing your blood pressure.
Step 2
Drink green tea and coffee. Green tea contains ECGC, which may promote fat burning. A 2006 study in “Physiology & Behavior” found that tea can lead to greater thermogenesis, the production of heat in the body, and speed up metabolism. Green tea can also lower blood pressure, according to the "Journal of Nutrition."
Step 3
Choose organic products. Chemicals found in pesticides can disrupt thyroid activity and metabolism. A 2006 study in “Molecular Endocrinology” linked certain pesticides to a greater accumulation of fat in mice. Organic produce won’t raise your blood pressure.
Step 4
Add red pepper or fresh chili peppers to your meals. Capsaicin, the ingredient responsible for the heat in chili peppers, also helps boost metabolism. A 2010 study in the “Journal of Proteome Research” found that capsaicin significantly altered lipid metabolism-related proteins in mice. Red pepper also may help lower blood pressure, according to a study in "Cell Metabolism."
Step 5
Complete interval workouts. Alternate a high-intensity workout with an easy pace to stimulate fat-burning responses. Regular exercise also helps lower blood pressure.
Things You'll Need
- Green tea
- Coffee
- Oatmeal
- Yogurt
- Bran cereal
- Fruit
- Red pepper
References
- Kids Health: Metabolism
- "Women’s Health" magazine; How to Increase Metabolism; October 2010
- “Physiology & Behavior”; Metabolic Effects of Spices, Teas and Caffeine; Margriet Westerterp-Plantenga, et al.; August 2006
- “Molecular Endocrinology”; Endocrine-Disrupting Organotin Compounds are Potent Inducers of Adipogenesis in Vertebrates; Felix Grün, et al.; September 2006
- “Journal of Proteome Research”; Proteomic Analysis for Antiobesity Potential of Capsaicin on White Adipose Tissue in Rats Fed With a High Fat Diet; Jeong In Joo, et al.; 2010
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Black and Green Tea Polyphenols Attenuate Blood Pressure Increases in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; Hiroko Negishi, et al.; January 2004
- "Cell Metabolism"; Activation of TRPV1 by Dietary Capsaicin Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation and Prevents Hypertension; Dachun Yang, et al.; August 2010
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