One of the key factors to maintaining a healthy weight is having a healthy metabolism. This is why being intentional about what you eat is so important – because your diet plays a huge role in metabolic rates. There are some impactful foods that may help speed up your metabolism, and in turn, help you lose more weight. And while you are eating better to increase your metabolism, you will also be eating better for your overall health. If you are ready to make a change to your lifestyle, read on about these 9 foods that boost your metabolism and may help you lose weight.
Green Tea
Studies have found that caffeinated beverages contribute to increased weight loss. Some teas have high levels of caffeine, one of which being green tea. A 2012 study showed that green tea helped to increase the resting metabolic rate in women who were obese. Green tea also contains a compound called catechin, which is also thought of as a metabolism booster.
Ginger
Ginger is beneficial in a number of ways in terms of weight loss. The compounds in ginger called shogaols are known to have the ability to lower inflammation. Ginger can also help improve the function of pancreatic beta cells and increase insulin receptors: which can all help raise metabolic rates.
Legumes
Legumes are a plant group that includes lentils, soybeans, and chickpeas. This family of plants is very high in protein, which makes them a great option for boosting metabolism. They are also amazing for feeling more full as they are packed with fiber. A study in 2009 revealed that a high protein diet of legumes helped obese men increase their chances of losing weight by controlling their diets.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers can work wonders for metabolic levels. The chemical called capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers, can boost metabolism and help burn more calories and fat. Studies show that capsaicin can even help burn up to 50 calories each day. Chili peppers are also known to suppress appetite, and ultimately help with weight loss in that way as well. Capsaicin is also known to make you feel full longer.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great source of fats called medium-chain triglycerides. These medium-chain triglycerides are absorbed and go to the liver to be used for energy, which allows them to be transformed for good use instead of stored as fat. These types of fats are shown to be even more effective than longer-chain fats.
Seaweed
Seaweed is a great food to consume for metabolic levels because it contains iodine. Iodine is required for proper thyroid hormone function and the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is helpful in many ways, primarily for its regulation of metabolism. Another ingredient in seaweed that can help with increasing metabolism is fucoxanthin, which increases calories burned.
Cacao and Cocoa
Cocoa and cacao are both seen to assist with higher metabolic rates. Studies have shown that both types of extracts can stimulate the way fat is used for energy. Cocoa can also help reduce the number of calories consumed by the body.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Studies in mice show that apple cider vinegar can stimulate AMPK enzymes responsible for decreasing stored fat and burning more of it. Belly fat and liver fat can also be positively affected by apple cider vinegar.
Water
Believe it or not, water can help you increase your metabolism, even if only temporarily. Drinking water can help boost your metabolism by an extra 24-30 percent. This happens when the body must increase its temperature to heat the water in your body, therefore burning more calories in the process.
