Boost Your Metabolism with These 10 Foods

Written by Evelina ~ Category: Beauty & Wellbeing ~ Read Time: 3 min.

Boosting metabolism is a key goal for many people, especially those on a weight loss program. Metabolism is the rate at which our body consumes calories to perform all its functions.

Although no specific foods can magically increase our metabolism, and it is necessary to adopt healthy eating habits, exercise, and adequate rest and sleep to achieve it, there are specific foods that, if combined with the above, can significantly contribute to boosting our metabolism!

So, depending on the composition of the food we consume, our body expends different amounts of energy. Certain foods take longer to digest, requiring more energy to complete digestion.

Thus, foods that can help boost metabolism are foods that contain:

- Thermogenic components, that is, increase the heat produced by our body

- Protein that needs higher amounts of energy to be digested

- Fiber that enhances the feeling of satiety and requires more energy to complete digestion

- Probiotics and prebiotics that contribute to the proper functioning of the digestive system by promoting proper digestion of food

- Iron necessary to maintain constant burning of food

Below, you can see the 10 most notable foods that will help increase your metabolism!

1. Green tea

Besides its antioxidant properties, green tea has been shown to help increase metabolism. The catechins it contains, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), increase the oxidation of accumulated fat and help the body burn more calories. Also, green tea contains caffeine, which further boosts metabolism.

foods to boost your metabolism

2. Coffee

Like green tea, coffee contains caffeine, a natural substance that can boost your metabolism. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increasing calorie burning and improving performance in physical activities. In addition, coffee can increase thermogenesis, that is the process of heat production in the body through which we burn extra calories.

foods to boost your metabolism

3. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods, such as chilies and cayenne peppers, contain capsaicin, a compound that can boost thermogenesis and increase our heart rate, resulting in more calories being expended by our bodies. Studies have shown that eating spicy foods can increase calorie burning for a short time after consuming them, making them ideal for boosting metabolism.

foods to boost your metabolism

4. Nuts

Nuts like almonds and walnuts are rich in protein, fiber, and good fats. Protein and fiber require more energy to break down during digestion, increasing calorie burning. In addition, the monounsaturated fats they contain help regulate insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels and, therefore, the feeling of hunger.

foods to boost your metabolism

5. Spinach

The high fiber content and the fact that it is a plant source of iron contribute to the increase of our metabolism. Consuming it raw in salads keeps the amount of fiber at high levels compared to cooked, and so the body needs more energy to complete its digestion.

foods to boost your metabolism

6. Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein with high biological value, which helps to increase metabolism. Protein requires more energy for digestion and absorption than fat or carbohydrates. Eggs are also rich in B vitamins, which are important for converting food into energy.

foods to boost your metabolism

7. Yogurt

Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is rich in protein and probiotics, which enhance digestion and promote gut health. A healthy gut is crucial for the proper functioning of metabolism. In addition, the proteins contained in yogurt help increase muscle mass, which, in turn, boosts metabolism since muscles consume more calories than fatty tissue.

foods to boost your metabolism

8. Oily fish

Oily fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can boost metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body and help regulate insulin levels. Thus, the body can more efficiently convert food into energy and store less fat.

foods to boost your metabolism

9. Ginger

Ginger is another ingredient that can help increase metabolism. It contains substances that increase thermogenesis and fat burning. Ginger also improves digestion and bowel function, boosting the overall metabolic process. It can be easily added to beverages, soups, and foods, giving them flavor while enhancing calorie burning.

foods to boost your metabolism

10. Apples

Apples, especially green ones, contain high amounts of fiber and vitamin C. Fiber improves digestion and helps the body eliminate excess fat. Also, eating apples is associated with reducing appetite and preventing overeating, which further enhances the effort to maintain a healthy metabolism.

foods to boost your metabolism

It took 2 coffees to write this article.


About the author

Evelina

The cool kid of the office! Everyone wants to be friends with Evelina since she is a combination of sweetness, coolness, and calmness. She is very dedicated to her profession, and she is always willing to help, from giving a nutrition tip to... participating in a TikTok video! She is also a patient listener and a very talented editor!

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