Issue 20 - April 22, 2010

In This Issue:

Top 8 Metabolism Boosting Foods

Top 8 Metabolism Boosting Foods

Exercise isn't the only way to increase your metabolism. Here are eight foods that will give your metabolism a boost.

Sardines

Sardines help boost your metabolism three different ways. First, by interacting with a powerful hormone in your body called leptin, the omega-3 fatty acids in sardines positively influence your metabolism and calorie burning. Second, sardines are high in calcium (a mineral with proven links to weight loss), so they can boost your metabolism via improved fat burning. Third, sardines are high in protein, and your body uses more energy to digest protein than it does to digest carbohydrates and fat.

Hot Peppers

Capsaicin is the chemical in hot peppers that gives them their hotness and bite. When you eat hot peppers, the capsaicin causes an increase in your heart rate, which in turn raises your metabolism. Capsaicin also temporarily stimulates a higher release of stress hormones in your body, resulting in an elevated metabolic rate and accelerated calorie burning.

Oatmeal

One serving of oatmeal contains a high amount of complex carbohydrates and about 13% of your daily fiber needs. The complex carbs and fiber boost metabolism because your body has to work harder to digest, process and utilize them.

Low-Fat Yogurt

The probiotics in yogurt provide a metabolism boosting effect. A recent study published in Molecular Systems Biology found that probiotics can positively alter metabolic trends through biochemical effects - the end result being an increased metabolism. For more information on probiotics, visit the Health Benefits of Probiotics page.

Grapefruit

Half a grapefruit contains 38.4 milligrams of vitamin C (more than 1/3 of the daily requirement), and research has demonstrated that vitamin C has some fat burning capabilities. Also, chemicals in grapefruit may reduce insulin levels, thus helping to regulate fat metabolism.

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk contains high amounts of globulin and albumin, which are proteins that help increase metabolism. The calcium in hemp milk is another metabollic booster. Research has shown that individuals who consumed 1,200-1,300 milligrams of calcium per day while on a regular exercise program burned fat twice as fast as those on a low-calcium diet. Some varieties of hemp milk contain almost 50% of the daily requirement for calcium in one cup.

Cinnamon

A key ingredient in cinnamon (methylhydroxy chalcone polymer) helps your body metabolize sugars more effectively and maintain steadier blood sugar levels, therefore benefiting metabolic function. The fiber in cinnamon also helps to keep insulin levels low.

Water

Even though water isn't a food, I included it on this list because water is very important to metabolic function. Even slight dehydration can cause a decrease in metabolism. For more information on water, visit the Importance of Drinking Water page.