Metabolism Booster Food
The metabolic rate is the speed it takes to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste from the body. A healthy digestive system is essential for metabolic health. There are foods that boost the metabolic rate by balancing blood sugar levels, improving digestion, and assisting with waste elimination. There are also foods and herbs that give the body a metabolic boost by increasing the heart rate, blood flow, and stimulating the nervous system.
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Fruit and Vegetables
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Fruit and vegetables are high in water and fiber. They are also high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, many of which assist with the digestion of food. Green vegetables also contain chlorophyll which assists in cleansing toxins and waste from the body. Broccoli is high in calcium and vitamin C---which help boost metabolism. Grapefruit actually lowers the insulin levels in the body, which prevents the body from storing fat.
Spices
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According to natural therapists, ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper help to boost metabolism. Ginger is said to help the stomach produce digestive enzymes, which help digest protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Cinnamon is said to help to balance the blood sugar levels in the body as well as help metabolize sugar. Cayenne pepper is reported to speed up metabolism and cleanse the bowels.
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Protein
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Protein helps balance blood sugar levels. It takes longer to digest and helps keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. Protein supports muscle development and repair after exercise. Muscle is known to boost the metabolic rate. All red and white meat contain protein, as do dairy products, eggs, tofu, soy products, nuts, and beans. Easy-to-digest protein is available through protein shakes made from whey or soy powder.
Yogurt
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Yogurt that is high in active cultures helps the body digest food. Probiotics form the good bacteria, also known as intestinal flora, that keep the intestines healthy. When the intestines are healthy, food is digested and eliminated easily. Probiotics can be bought in capsules from health food stores, but they are also high in a variety of fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and yogurt.
Caffeine
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Coffee and some types of tea contain caffeine. Caffeine increases the heart rate, respiratory rate, blood flow, and the metabolic rate for several hours after drinking it. Drinking more than two or three cups may cause irritability and insomnia, so it is best to monitor the daily intake. Green tea contains caffeine and also epigallocatechin gallate, which speeds up your nervous system and the metabolic rate.
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