Five foods that will boost your metabolism
There certainly are foods that can help boost your metabolic rate, which is the number of calories that your body naturally burns. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or maintain your ideal weight, some foods can help you maintain or improve your metabolism, by slightly improving your metabolic rate. That said, consuming an excess of these foods may not necessarily mean you’ll lose weight, they are meant to be part of your well-balanced diet that aids your weight management process. Some of these metabolism-boosting foods and their benefits are listed below.
1. Eggs
Proteins are one of the key nutrients in increasing metabolic rate, as our bodies need to burn more calories to digest proteins than to digest carbohydrates or fats. Since protein-rich foods are amongst the best options to boost your metabolism, adding eggs to your daily diet can do wonders for your metabolic rate. Eggs are rich in protein. A simple hard-boiled egg can contain up to 6.29 grams of protein, making it ideal for boosting metabolism.
2. Dark Leafy Green Vegetables
Iron is an essential mineral for growth, development and metabolism. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are a source of non-animal iron. They not only provide iron which is key to boosting your metabolism but also provide magnesium which helps with metabolic functions of the body. Pairing these iron and mineral-rich foods with food high in vitamin C such as lemons, and tomatoes can help with the body’s ability to absorb such minerals faster.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not just great for boosting your metabolism but are also high in vitamin B which helps burn fat within the body. Sweet potatoes are versatile when it comes to preparation and are high in fibre which helps feel fuller for longer periods of time thus helping you with weight management. The high fibre content and low carbohydrate levels in sweet potatoes make them ideal for weight loss and help you maintain an ideal metabolic rate.
4. Almonds
Don’t go by the small size of the almond, they can give your metabolism a big boost. They upped up your metabolism because they contain essential amino acids. They are also rich in magnesium and vitamin E and are a perfect snack that will keep your gut full for long periods of time. A key point to remember is that almonds are high in calories so consuming more than a handful a day can lead to excessive calorie intake.
5. Apples
Apples are known to keep the doctor away. There are plenty of reasons for that. Apples contain multiple vitamins that help boost your metabolism. They are high in fibre and contain vitamin C and vitamin D-glucarate which help detoxify your liver. They also contain other key vitamins such as vitamin B which helps your body convert proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into energy and vitamin K helps with blood flow. Pectin, a substance in apples, helps with the reduction of visceral fat which surrounds vital organs in the body.
Many foods like fruits, leafy vegetables, and sources of protein can help boost your metabolism and help you maintain a healthy weight. For extracting the best results from these foods it is best to consume them as part of a balanced diet. Some lifestyle changes such as getting adequate sleep, regular exercise, or simple things like drinking plenty of water in the day can also aid in boosting your metabolism.