Ten Foods That Boost Metabolism

Having a high metabolism = loosing weight and keeping it off! Metabolism is defined as the set of chemical reactions that happens in the cells of living organisms needed to maintain life. In other words, if we have a healthy metabolism then we have a healthy life. A healthy metabolism helps us to grow, reproduce, and respond to our environments. Some benefits of having a healthy metabolism is an increase in energy, you're able to sleep better, and you're able to loose weight and keep it off! There are many foods that boost your metabolism. Although there are other foods that increase metabolism, here are my top 10 choices.

Almonds have plenty of good fats and fiber. But most importantly, just a few of these nuts a day can increase your metabolism and help you to loose weight just by eating them. Almonds also provide protection against Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. They help prevent gallstones and increase your energy level almost immediately.

Green tea is derived from the green tea leaf that is high in catechins. Catechins are flavonoid phytochemical compounds found in the green tea plant. With the green tea plant extract being so high in catechins, it increasingly alters your body composition by increasing your metabolism. When your metabolism is increased, it becomes easier for you to loose weight. Green tea has many health benefits. It also aids in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Yogurt contains a high level of protein which increases your metabolism. If you add fiber of any kind to your yogurt, it helps to increase metabolism even more. Just one cup of yogurt daily increases your chances of boosting your metabolism. Yogurt is also high in calcium, potassium, and phosphorus which are important in our daily living as well.

Spinach is a very important metabolism booster. The potassium found in spinach help to conduct the energy around your body and benefits your muscle function. In order for your muscles to perform properly, you need an increase in metabolism. Spinach is also packed with potassium, iron, and Vitamin C that helps fight toxins and prevent cell damage.

Oatmeal is rich in fiber. It is especially rich in dietary fiber. Oatmeal and other foods high in fiber help to keep blood glucose levels low. Oats also help to help with curbing your appetite and lowering your caloric intake. The less calories you take in, the easier it is to maintain a healthy weight.

Turkey is very low in fat and contains a high level of lean protein. It is said that the amino acid tryptophan that is found in Turkey plays a key role in the function of your immune system and fighting off cancer. Turkey also release serotonin into your bloodstream. Serotonin is known as a "happy hormone" and it is said to improve your mood.

Grapefruit is packed with Vitamin C. It reduces insulin levels. When insulin levels are reduced, this promotes a boost in metabolism which leads to weight loss. Studies have shown that if you eat half of a grapefruit with each meal in a week, you can loose almost 4 pounds!

Beans are loaded with fiber! Fiber helps to keep our digestive system working properly. A healthy digestive system helps to promote good health and an increase in energy. Beans are also loaded with protein, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Beans are a great source for metabolism boosting!

Broccoli is another vegetable high in fiber. It is also high in Vitamin C and iron. This makes it helpful in burning fat and increasing metabolism. Iron is also necessary in maintaining red blood cell which carry oxygen throughout the body. Oxygen is needed to stay alive!

For those of you who like a little spice in your life, peppers such as Jabaneros, Cayenne, and Jalapenos are great metabolism boosters.

Although Jabanero peppers are considered to be one of the hottest peppers, they increase sweating and get your heart pumping which in return releases energy from cells.

Cayenne peppers also boost metabolism and among other things are used in obesity treatment, osteoarthritis pain, and diabetes treatment.

Last but not least, Jalapeno peppers help to burn fat through metabolism because they are considered a negative calorie food. Jalapenos also increase your heart rate so that energy can be used by the body.