Metabolism is the chemical process that occurs in any living body in order to maintain life. The higher your metabolism, it is easier for the body to burn calories which makes sure that you maintain your ideal weight or get rid of that unwanted body fat. Your lifestyle generally decides your metabolism, however, there are certain food which you can consume to increase your metabolism.
1. Almonds and Chia Seeds
- Both are a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
- Both these fatty acids reduce inflammation and improve your blood flow to kick metabolism in the next gear
- Both these are great source of protein. Since protein has a high thermic effect, your body burns more fat to digest these
- These are a good source of a number of other essential nutrients as well
2. Green Tea or Black Coffee
- Both these are packed with anti oxidants
- They curb hunger
- Contain bioactive substances like epigallocatechin gallate (or EGCG)
- Green Tea increases your metabolism by four percent over 24 hours
- In these 24 hours they can make your burn an extra 70 calories
- Green Tea is rich in anti oxidants like polyphenols which also have a number of other health benefits
- These help you ward off lethargy and can increase your endurance during workouts
3. Oatmeal
- Oats keep your insulin levels low after you eat them preventing blood sugar spikes
- These spikes are responsible for signalling your body to store fat
- These are also high in a number of other important nutrients
- Oatmeal has a lot of fibre. As your body burns fibre, it also burns calories
4. Ceylon Cinnamon
- Cinnamon is a detoxifier which helps regulate the metabolism
- Include a stick of cinnamon in your tea / coffee
- Cinnamon has thermogenic properties, it raises the body’s temperature and prompts it to start burning calories
- It is advisable to consume about 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder every day
- This is also help you curb your cravings for sweets
5. Garlic and Ginger
- Garlic contains good amount of germanium and anti oxidants
- This herb is considered to be a natural antibiotic
- Garlic supports a balanced blood sugar and a healthy metabolism
- Ginger is also known to have anti inflammatory properties
- Both these also help increase the quantity of good cholesterol in the body
6. Desi Ghee or Coconut Oil
- Leads to increased satiety and boosts metabolism
- Ghee contains conjugated linolenic acid which helps you lose stubborn fat
- Both these mobilise fat cells, encouraging them to let go of their energy source and shrink
- Both are anti bacterial and anti viral, keeping a healthy balance of good bacteria in your gut
- Their high fat content work to give your metabolism a boost
- Coconut Oil contains medium chain fats which speed your metabolism more than the long chain fats
7. Green Leafy Vegetables
- These provide iron to support healthy blood which is key to optimal cellular metabolic energy
- These are a rich source of iron, folate, zinc, magnesium, folic acid and protein
- Contain significant amount of dietary fibre to provide you with truckloads of energy to fulfil you daily needs
- Try pairing these green vegetables with a source of vitamin C to increase the body’s absorption of this type of iron
8. Chillis and Peppers
- Peppers contain capsaicin, a substance that boosts your metabolism
- Consuming these in moderation will help you burn more calories
- Chillis increase body temperature and metabolic rate
9. Pulses and Legumes
- These keep your full and reduce cravings
- Are loaded with iron and complex carbs which are essential to keep the body in shape
- Iron facilitates the flow of oxygen in the body, keeping your metabolism high and increasing energy production
- These are also loaded with nutrients like folate, calcium, potassium and vitamin B
10. Water
- A dehydrated body never makes fat burning a priority
- Drinking water will increase your metabolism by up to 30 percent
- Drinking two glasses more water than what you normally do will do the trick
- Water is a natural appetite suppressant, make it your buddy in your journey for weight loss
Can I replace galangal with ginger? Is galangal best than Ginger?