It is essential to maintain proper metabolism because it affects the body’s ability to perform tasks. Thus, it provides energy that is necessary for sustenance. Moreover, slow metabolism is often associated with the tendency to gain weight.
It is characterized by symptoms like slow pulse, low blood pressure, fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, coarse dry hair, dry skin, and constipation. Individuals who are less muscular are more prone to have a sluggish metabolism.
Nevertheless, you can improve your metabolism by incorporating regular exercise in your routine to decrease your body-fat percentage and increase muscle mass.
Basically, when compared to fats, muscles use more calories for maintenance. In addition, include the following foods in your diet to help speed up the metabolism.
Grapefruit
Citrus fruits, particularly, grapefruits lower insulin levels that regulate fat metabolism and encourage your body to store fat.
Plus, they contain fiber, which helps keep you satiated for longer. Thus, regular consumption of this fruit reduces fat and increases metabolism.
Furthermore, it improves circulation and strengthens the immune system. It benefits health because it is a good source of vitamin C, folate, and thiamine.
Grapefruit juice is also useful in reducing weight but eating the fruit is more effective in improving the metabolism.
Cinnamon
It is believed that cinnamon temporarily increases your metabolism by about 8% for 20 minutes after its consumption.
Moreover, it facilitates weight loss, fights E.coli bacteria, lowers blood cholesterol, fights insulin resistance, controls type-2 diabetes, and reduces arthritis pain.
You can simply add a dash of this wonderful spice in your tea to derive its benefits. In addition, you can sprinkle powdered cinnamon on foods like cottage cheese, yogurt, oatmeal, etc.
Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories as they facilitate the metabolism of fat in the body. Besides, they are rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Moreover, mustard is excellent for digestion. The best way to incorporate mustard seeds in your diet is to season your food with these spicy seeds. You can add other traditions spices like dried ginger and paprika, too.
Yogurt
Low-fat yogurt with live and active cultures is a good source of protein and calcium. Moreover, it is a probiotic, that is, it contains ‘friendly’ bacteria beneficial for proper gut function.
Thus, they increase metabolism by optimizing the function of the digestive system. In addition, they are helpful in inhibiting lipid absorption and preventing intestinal fat absorption, thereby facilitating weight loss, especially around the belly.
Jalapenos
Hot peppers like jalapenos are highly beneficial for boosting the metabolism because they contain capsaicin. This chemical raises the body’s heat index as it induces the cells to convert energy into heat (Thermogenesis). So, you can add jalapeno peppers in your meals to help burn calories.
If you are increasing your consumption of jalapenos, though, it is recommended to take a dairy product like low-fat milk or yogurt before your meal in order to reduce digestive discomfort that may be caused after eating spicy food.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal helps speed up your metabolism by lowering the body’s insulin levels. Being rich in fat-soluble fiber, it requires a lot of calories for its break down.
Furthermore, it reduces cholesterol, boosts immunity, protects against heart disease, stabilizes blood sugar, prevents breast cancer, and so on. Plus, it keeps you full for a longer time.
Green Tea
Green tea boosts metabolism and aids in weight loss due to its thermogenic properties. It increases energy expenditure and speeds up fat oxidation.
Moreover, being rich in powerful antioxidants, green tea serves as a healthier alternative to your regular tea and coffee.
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