Foods That Help Boost Your Metabolism

With age, our metabolism takes a slump and that stubborn belly just refuses to go away. Discover foods you can add to your diet to boost your metabolism and help shed some pounds.

Metabolism is defined by the physical and chemical processes in our body that convert the foods you consume into energy. According to medical experts, ageing is arguably the most universal contributor to metabolic decline and abdominal obesity. As we age, we lose muscle mass and our basal metabolic rate (rate of energy expenditure at rest) declines, causing our bodies to burn less calories.

So to combat the inevitable, there are thankfully lifestyle choices you can make to boost your declining metabolic rate. Here’s a list of foods that you can eat to crank up your metabolism and burn fat:

Green Tea

According to a study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, green tea was found to raise metabolic rates and promote fat oxidation.

Those who consumed green tea extract had a four percent increase in overall energy expenditure, reflecting a stimulatory effect on thermogenesis (how fast your body burns calories). It was found that the high concentration of catechin polyphenols in green tea could help boost one’s metabolic rate by four percent over a 24 hour period.

Coconut Oil

While coconut oil has long been avoided for its high fat content, you’ll be surprised that adding it to your diet could actually help you lose more fat. Coconut oil consists of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are metabolized differently from longer chained fatty acids. According to nutritionists, the magic with MCTs comes from the shorter chains being more quickly absorbed and metabolized by the body to be used as immediate fuel instead of being stored as fat.

Here’s another bonus with coconut oil. A study has also shown that MCTs can help suppress appetite, which suggest that coconut oil can aid you in your plans for weight loss. In another study, this amazing food has also been found to help burn stubborn abdominal fat.

Coffee

Coffee lovers rejoice! Some studies have shown that caffeine can significantly raise metabolic rate three hours after ingestion and aid in fat oxidation. However, adding all that sugar and cream to your coffee may be counterproductive if you’re seeking to lose weight. Go for plain black coffee for best results and hydrate yourself with lots of water after (coffee is a diuretic).

Do bear in mind that coffee isn’t suitable for everyone’s palates especially those who experience heartburn or acid reflux.

Chilli Peppers

Capsaicin, found in hot peppers and chilli have been found to rev up your metabolic rate as well. Research has shown that ingestion of capsaicin temporarily stimulates thermogenesis and increases energy expenditure. Having peppers in your diet could also help suppress appetite and help you burn more calories due to the effects it has on body temperature.

Best of all, a little spice in your food definitely adds a tasty touch to your meals!

Oatmeal

We all know that having a hearty breakfast gets your metabolism cranked up for the rest of the day. A great breakfast option to start your morning would be a simple bowl of wholegrain oatmeal. As it is a form of complex carbs, your body would expend more energy to break it down, adding a boost to your metabolism. Oatmeal is also laden with fibre and can keep you satiated for a longer time.

The less processed and less refined your oats are, the better it is for your metabolism. If you find your oatmeal too bland, toss in some berries for a healthy antioxidant boost and natural sweet flavour.

Get your metabolism fired up again with simple tweaks to your diet, despite the slowdown associated with age! Bear in mind that these food items alone won’t raise your metabolism and help you shed pounds magically. Enhance your diet with activities such as regular exercise and having adequate sleep. Don’t forget to have everything in moderation and check in with your doctor if you are starting a new exercise or diet regime.

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