5 Best and Worst Foods for Boosting Metabolism

While a calorie-restricted diet and an exercise plan are the keys to weight loss, your metabolism also plays a critical role in helping you shed those extra pounds. Metabolic rate is the number of calories your body burns at rest and converts to energy. Each individual is born with a different metabolic rate, men burn more calories than women, so they have a faster metabolism. Your metabolism is influenced by a number of factors, out of which, genetics are considered to have the biggest effect. Metabolism depends on your muscle mass ratio and weight, as well. However, it does not imply that just because you were born with a certain metabolism, it will remain the same for the rest of your life. Just like some food aid in weight loss and weight management, certain foods contain nutrients that can boost your metabolism. However, you should bear in mind that certain foods can wreak havoc on your metabolism, too. How do you tell the difference between the two? Well, we have compiled a list of the best and worst foods for increasing your metabolism.

5 Best Foods for Boosting Metabolism

Eggs

The most effective foods for increasing metabolism are those that are high in protein. In comparison to carbohydrates and fats, protein requires more energy to break down, which keeps you full for a longer time. A piece of Healthcanal has also shared the various benefits of a protein-rich diet. Eggs are packed with protein, with one large egg containing 6 grams of protein. They are a healthy choice of breakfast because they are low in calories and have numerous benefits. So, include at least one egg in your diet each day.

Lentils

Along with being protein-rich, lentils also contain carbohydrates and fibre. They help in digestion while keeping you satiated throughout the day. Lentils have an appetite-lowering effect that makes you avoid unnecessary calories and cravings. As they require more energy to digest than other food groups, lentils are excellent for your metabolism.

Green Tea

Green Tea has zero calories, making it the ideal weight-loss drink. It has antioxidant properties with several health benefits, however, research has found that green tea has a positive impact on your metabolism, as well. It increases your metabolism by using the stored fat in your body as energy, which leads you to burn more fat and calories.

Broccoli

Glucoraphanin is a phytochemical present in broccoli, experts say that it helps to retune your metabolism. Not all broccolis are high in glucoraphanin, a certain type known as Beneforte, which contains high amounts of glucoraphanin. Hence, consuming broccoli with other veggies can rev up your metabolism.

Avocados

Several types of research have shown the benefits of avocados for metabolic health. Avocados help in the prevention of metabolic syndrome, a condition that is becoming common in the United States. It contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that speed up metabolism and lower cholesterol levels. It is recommended to add at least half an avocado to your diet. 

5 Worst Foods for Boosting Metabolism

Refined Grains

White bread, white pasta, and rice are generally eaten all around the world. Unfortunately, they are unhealthy for your metabolism, as well as weight loss. According to a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, whole grains increase your metabolism and promote calorie loss. Refined grains break down more quickly than whole grains, making you feel hungrier in a short period of time. They are higher in calories and make your blood sugar levels rise.

Sugar

Some days, everybody has sugar cravings and end up eating a bunch of sugary foods. However, sugar is extremely damaging to your metabolism. It is simply high in calories with no nutritional value. Sugar, in addition to making you sleepy and sluggish, can also cause diabetes and heart problems. So, the next time you crave sugary foods, eat some fruits instead.

Alcohol

It is high in calories and slows down your metabolic rate. The human body can’t store alcohol, so the liver prioritizes breaking it down before other nutrients and then stores it. This results in liver diseases and weight gain. On the other hand, we tend to make the worst food choices after drinking alcohol. It also prevents you from exercising, as you feel fatigued and sleepy. It takes a few weeks for your body to return to its normal functions, and until then alcohol successfully damages your metabolism.

Sodas

Soda is infamous for a variety of reasons, mainly the many health problems that it causes in our bodies. It leads to obesity and slows down metabolism, as well. Sodas contain high amounts of fructose, a sugar that needs to be converted into glucose. It gets converted into fat inside the liver. As a result of this process, the body develops a variety of liver diseases. Sodas are full of calories with no health advantages, therefore, it is best to avoid them.

Fried Foods

There is no denying that fried foods taste heavenly, but the joy of our taste buds comes at the cost of our metabolism. Fried foods contain plenty of trans fats, which are more harmful than monounsaturated fats. They can lead to several diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and a variety of problems. Fried foods are high in calories and require less energy to digest, causing your metabolism to slow down. They can cause people to develop addictive behaviors, which can cause bigger damage to their health.

Conclusion

Metabolism plays a vital role in our bodies. No matter how much they eat, some people don’t gain weight because they have a faster metabolism than others. Metabolism largely depends on genes, but eating foods that can boost your metabolic rate is beneficial for your overall health. Mitchelle Morgan, a Health Writer determined that a speedy metabolism can remove toxins from the body more quickly than a slower metabolism. Avoiding foods that can damage your metabolism and result in several diseases should be your priority. They have little to no advantages for your health, instead, they contribute to weight gain and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. It is recommended to eat a diet that includes the best foods for boosting your metabolism and eliminates the worst ones. The above-mentioned foods may be the answer to your metabolism and weight loss related issues.