Foods that Increase Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the organic processes that are carried out in the cells on the living organism and are vital for normal functioning of the body. Although every morsel of food that you consume is processed and metabolized, there are certain foods that enhance the rate of metabolism. Here is some more information about the foods that increase metabolism:

Weight Loss and Metabolism

Increased metabolism is achieved by eating more, but eating smart. It not only helps to enhance the metabolic processes but also helps to burn the extra fat and enhance overall health condition. It is a fact that amongst all the food groups, complex carbohydrates and proteins require more energy for their breakdown and absorption. Foods that increase metabolism are the ones that are high in complex carbohydrates and proteins. Since the breakdown and absorption of complex carbohydrates and proteins takes longer time, the release of the caloric energy is spread out over a longer period of time, which results in less insulin released into the blood stream. On the other hand sugars and fats, tend to give you a temporary and quick energy high, which is often followed by a low energy period, which results in increased craving for the sugar and fat products.

Foods that Increase Metabolism

The foods that increase metabolism include a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and spices. However in addition to the basic ingredients, it is also the cooking method that has an effect on the metabolism. Here is a list of foods that increase metabolism if cooked and consumed in a healthy way:

Spicy Food and Metabolism: It is a fact that spicy food can actually have an impact on the metabolism. A compound called Capsaicin, which is present in chili peppers, generates a lot of heat, which helps to burn more calories after a meal. Other spices, which have similar compounds and similar effects, are chilies; black pepper and ginger have similar effects. Several studies have shown that a meal containing a spicy dish can temporarily increase the metabolism rate by about eight percent.

Vegetables: Vegetables are rich in fiber as well as many minerals and vitamins. Hence breakdown and absorption of minerals takes longer and hence requires a larger amount of energy to be spent by the body, thus increasing the metabolic rate. Some of the vegetables that can be consumed include, broccoli, radish, turnip, tomatoes, spinach, aubergine, cabbage, celery, carrots, chicory, cauliflower, cucumbers, cress, fennel, gourd, leek, lettuce, marrow, radish and peppers.

Fruits: Fruits are high in fiber, and although they contain sugar, it is the natural form of sugar which is different than the refined or synthetic sugar which we use while cooking. Some of the common fruits, which help to increase the metabolism, include apples, apricots, blackberries, blackcurrant, clementines, damsons, guavas, grapefruit, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, oranges, plums, peaches, raspberries, strawberries and tangerines

Whole grains: Whole grains like oats, wheat, barley or even soy products are a great way to increase the metabolism. Whole grains contain a lot of protein and fiber, which makes them difficult to break down and hence increases the amount of energy spent in their breakdown and absorption.

These are the foods that increase metabolism, however it is also necessary to use the right cooking methods and consume the food at the right time. Cooking with little or no use of oil is very good, and in case where it is impossible to avoid using oil, it is always better to use healthy oils like canola oil or olive oil. Similarly instead of having three heavy meals, it is always better to eat smaller portions at regular intervals of two to three hours. Increasing the metabolism rate not only requires you to consume foods that increase metabolism, but also maintain an active lifestyle with a rigorous fitness regime.