Miscellaneous Food Items and Spices that Boost Metabolism

Metabolism Boosting Spices & Miscellaneous Food Items

Cayenne Pepper Flakes:

Cayenne pepper flakes are a good source for a metabolism boost because of its ability to increase the body’s internal temperature cause the body to work harder to cool itself down. By the body working twice as hard to stay cool it is using up more calories. Cayenne pepper flakes can induce calorie burning by up to 25%. Individuals that include cayenne pepper flakes in their foods and drinks have burned 50 to 75 more calories. Cayenne pepper flakes are derived from cayenne peppers. Cayenne peppers are among many other chilies that have been known to aide in weight loss. Many individuals have used cayenne pepper in combination with lemon, honey and warm water. This combination detoxifies the body; purging the body of excessive fat and waste that line the intestinal tract. By forcing out this waste, the body also sheds unwanted fat and calories. Cayenne peppers have very high levels of vitamins and minerals. Just 100 g provides (in % of RDA) 127% of vitamin-C (Ascorbic acid), 39% of vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), 54% of niacin, 71% of riboflavin, 1387% of vitamin A, 97.5% of iron, 41% of copper and 43% of potassium.

Garlic:

Garlic, although not favored for its smell, is popular among many for its many health benefits such as boosting metabolism and a healthy heart. One or two garlic cloves in your meal will make a huge difference in flavor and in your health. Garlic is known for its ability to help regulate blood pressure, keeps arteries free of plaque, lowers cholesterol, and decrease the risk of heart attack. A healthy heart will mean that your body’s metabolism will function better. Garlic is rich in antioxidants containing both Vitamin C (71% of RDA) and selenium. These two antioxidants help expel unstable oxygen molecules from the body that can cause extensive damage to the body’s cells and tissues. These molecules known as free radicals are believed to be the cause of many diseases including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Studies suggest that garlic may also be responsible for fat reduction. Garlic contains a sulphur compound that restricts pre-fat cells into full blown fat cells by reducing inflammation. Garlic is also a good source for Iron and Calcium (25% of RDA). 1 cup of raw garlic contains 203 calories, 6 calories from fat, 0g of saturated fat, 23mg sodium, 45g carbohydrates and 9g protein.

Curry Powder:

Curry powder is recognized by some for its green color or for its unique smell. Curry is used mostly in Indian and Caribbean recipes for its gentle spice and full flavor. Used most on meat dishes, curry powder is also acknowledged for it metabolism boosting abilities. Curry powder is a combination of spices, including turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper and/or cumin. Curry powder boosts metabolism much like peppers do. The spicy heat of curry powder raises your heart rate and body temperature. Ingredients in curry powder also have other health benefits. For instance, turmeric improves the metabolism of fats. Cinnamon has been linked to a variety of health conditions. Cinnamon has been used to regulate blood sugar, stop medication resistant yeast-infections and provide relief for arthritis. Researchers suggest that curry has been linked to the prevention of Alzheimer’s. Cumin, an ingredient in curry powder, has been said to clear the brain of protein deposits that have been linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s. Curry powder contains 20 calories, 7 calories from fat per tablespoon. Curry powder also contains 3mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate and 1g protein.

Peanut Butter:

Although peanut butter may be high in calories it is a great food to get your metabolism revved up. Peanut butter contains protein which helps build lean muscle. The natural sugars in peanut butter provide energy throughout the day. Most individuals will enjoy peanut butter on whole-grain or wheat toast which will provide the fiber needed for a healthy body and assist in proper weight maintenance. Peanut butter is one of the foods that take longer for your body to break down. Making your body work harder increases the amount of calories burned. Therefore despite the calorie content of peanut butter, peanut butter is a key food item in weight loss and healthy diets. Peanut butter also keeps your belly feeling full without feeling heavy. Many individuals love to snack on peanut butter with fruits and vegetable such as apples and celery, respectively. Peanut butter contains its own natural oils so when used for cooking eliminates the need for extra oil. Peanut butter contains 65 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber. Both are known for making the body work harder and burn calories. In 2 tablespoons of peanut butter there is about 190 calories and 16 grams of fat.

Almonds:

Almonds are rich in healthy monounsaturated fat. Almonds also contain other nutrients such as Vitamin E, Magnesium and Phosphorus. Many that are trying to lower they cholesterol may include almonds into their daily diets as almonds are known reducing cholesterol and lowering blood sugar. Almonds are also linked to boosting your metabolism and aiding in weight loss. Evidence also indicates that almonds may boost your metabolism and increase weight loss. A recent study revealed that overweight women who went on a 12 week high-monounsaturated fat diet showed a decrease in body fat and gained lean muscle mass. Lean muscle mass increases the amount of energy your body uses since your body burns calories in order to hold onto muscle mass. It is important to keep in mind that almonds, as are most nuts, are high in fat and calories. Therefore it is recommend not to exceed a certain amount of nuts per day or else you may gain weight instead of lose. Almonds provide 12 grams of fiber, 25 grams of calcium and 20 grams of iron in a one-cup portion. Almonds are a part of the nut family and should be avoided if you have a nut allergy.

Olive Oil:

Olive oil can be used for cooking as well as to add flavor to salad as a dressing. Olive oil contains a number of antioxidant compounds. These antioxidant compounds have been linked to anti-inflammatory agents. People normally do not think of olive oil as a weight loss tool but its high amount of monounsaturated fat can boost your metabolism. Olive oil increase fat burning which in turn will increase your metabolism. Researchers have found that people that include olive oil in their diets use more energy and thus burn more calories. Olive oil contains health benefits that include lowering bad cholesterol levels in your blood because of its rich monounsaturated fat substance. Extra virgin olive oil contains the highest levels of antioxidant polyphenols and oleic acid. Olive oil is the healthy option to other vegetable oils. For healthy results, olive oil should be used in moderation. Just 2 tablespoon olive oil every day can help reduce the risks of heart disease. One tablespoon of olive oil contains 119 calories of which all 119 calories are from fat. However, one tablespoon of olive oil only contains 2g of saturated fat.

Beans:

Beans are a really good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. The high fiber content of beans prevents blood sugar levels from rising too fast. Beans are an especially good choice for those with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. Combined with whole grains such as rice or barley, beans provide fat-free high quality protein. Having a diet that contains at least 50 grams of fiber a day has shown to considerably lower blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol by about 7 percent. Besides providing complex carbohydrates which burn slower than simple carbs, beans can increase your energy by helping to replace iron. For example, a cup of lima beans contains 24.9% of the daily value for iron. Iron is especially important for women who have menstrual cycles as they are more at risk for iron deficiency. Both iron and protein can be found in red meat, however beans are a low-calorie fat-free alternative. Kidney beans contain 215 calories, 14 calories from fat in an 8 ounce serving. Canned kidney beans contain 0g saturated fat, 758mg sodium, 41g total carbohydrates and 13g of protein. Kidney beans are the most common bean used in cooking.

Sprouts:

Sprouts such as Alfalfa are a rich source of a variety of nutrients. Alfalfa sprouts are regarded as the most nutritious foods in the world. Alfalfa sprouts contain about 25 percent protein and is a good source of lysine. Lysine is an essential amino acid that is needed for producing hormones, enzymes and antibodies. Alfalfa sprouts contain many minerals and vitamins, including zinc and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene contains vitamins that responsible for energy production which helps boost your metabolism. B-vitamins such as B6 and B-12 are mainly used for cellular metabolism which burns glucose molecules to produce energy storage molecules. Sprouts are contains vitamins A, C, D, E and K which are all essential for maintaining a healthy body. The amino acids found in sprouts are also known as the “building blocks” of protein. Protein can be used to increase muscle and also be metabolized into glucose when energy is needed or when blood glucose levels are low. Bean sprouts are known for their use in Asian dishes. Alfalfa sprouts contain 4g carbohydrates, 2.5g fiber and 0.5g fat in 100g serving size.

Try these fruits to boost your metabolism.

Metabolism Boosting Fruits

Lemons:

Lemon is one the many fruits that contain many benefits. Most individuals resort to lemon when seeking help with chest colds, constipation and weight loss. Lemon has also been used to destroy intestinal worms. Lemon is also a powerful antibacterial. Lemons also boost the metabolism. With Vitamins A and C, lemon provides a good source of vitamins that is essential for healthy teeth, gums and bones. The Vitamin C in lemons increase immunity as well as accelerate metabolism. Lemon with warm water and honey is a great way to cleanse your body of harmful toxins and excessive bile. Drinking a cup of this natural detox every morning will help burn fat and shed excessive weight in a safe and natural manner. For a happy and healthy body, add lemon to your weight loss regimen. One lemon a day will results in noticeable results within a week. Not only will you see a difference in your waistline, but your body will be a great shield against the common cold, influenza and malaria.

Limes:

Limes are a bright green citrus fruit that is available year round in all supermarket and fruit stands. Limes are a tropical fruit from the continent of Asia that has been linked to weight loss. Fruits related to the lime such as grapefruits, lemons and oranges have all been said to provide loads of essential vitamins and other health benefits. The fruits of the citrus family have also been widely used in weight loss aides. Many use limes as a way to boost their metabolism and burn calories. Along with regular exercise and a healthy diet, can limes can help you reach your weight loss goals. They are also low in calories. A whole lime contains only 20 calories, of a gram of fat and no saturated fat. Just one lime also provides 23 percent of your daily value for Vitamin C, an important nutrient. The best use for limes as a weight loss aide is to drink a glass of water with a slice of lime as a replacement to other high calorie beverages. There are no calories in a glass of water with a slice of lime. Limes also add a ton of flavor to recipes without adding a lot of calories.

Oranges:

Amazing weight loss results are linked to fruits and vegetables that you eat every day. For instance, an orange contains your full daily dose of Vitamin C. Oranges provide a double benefit. Besides providing your body with nutrients needed to help your body stay healthy and free of cold causing bacteria, oranges can boost your metabolism and burn fat. Oranges contain 45 percent Vitamin C which is 54 percent of the recommended daily nutritional daily intake. The peel of an orange is also consumable and has dietary benefits. The peel of an orange also has a high source of Vitamin C and fiber. Fiber promotes great digestive track health by riding the body of excess waste. Oranges are a great addition to recipes as well. Drinking an 8 ounce glass of orange juice every morning will keep your immunity strong in the fight against colds and viruses.

Apples:

Having a snack between meals or as a meal replacement can help give your body energy by providing a boost of fuel. Apples, for example, are a great snack because of their high fiber content and natural sugars. Healthy snacks like apples in appropriate portions can help you avoid feeling extremely hungry between meals which lead to overeating. Overeating is the leading cause in weight gain because it leaves you feeling sluggish and lazy. With a healthy supply of carbohydrates and proteins, apples help build muscle. Building muscle aides in weight loss because muscle cells burn fat cells. Apples contain only 65 calories of which only 2 calories are from fat. The rest of the calories will burned during daily activities. Apples do not contain any saturated fat and up to 17 grams of 17 grams of carbohydrates which is the fuel your body needs to stay energized. Having an apple a day keep more than the doctor away, it also keeps away those calorie laden cravings.

Grapefruits:

Grapefruits provide the same benefit as other fruits of the citrus family however grapefruits are more filling than a range and more appealing to the taste than a lemon or lime. Grapefruit can be added as a component to a great breakfast. Grapefruits have the same natural ability to help cut excess fat and boost the metabolism. Many prefer to drink grapefruit juice throughout the day for energy boost as well as a hunger eliminator. Ruby Red or Pink grapefruits are 2 of the many variations of this fruits. Ruby Red and Pink grapefruits are also the most commonly eaten type of grapefruit as they tend to be a little sweeter and gentler on the palette. The average serving size for grapefruits is 230 grams the equivalent to a whole grapefruit. Grapefruits contain 97 calories of which 3 calories are from fat. Grapefruit contain an entirely larger amount of Vitamin C. Other nutritional benefits of grapefruit are Vitamin A and Carbohydrates. The Carbs in grapefruits are what keep you filling full and satisfied. The natural sugars eliminate the desire for unhealthy snack alternative. Eating a half of grapefruit for breakfast will kick start your metabolism into high gear and begin burning away those excess calories.

Berries:

Many berries are effective in weight loss and energy boost. Berries such as cranberry and blueberry provide a wealth of health benefits including boosting your metabolism. However, no berry has become as widely known and sought after as the acai berry. The acai berry is a type of fruit grown in Brazil. It has a vibrant purple hue and extremely rich in antioxidants, which have been linked to the fighting against aging. The acai berry can be consumed in either a juice or pill form and can be found mostly in health and nutrition stores. The acai berry is connected with boosting metabolism because of its properties such as simple sugars, fiber and vitamins. Fruits containing natural (simple) sugars can easily burned by the body and converted into energy. The amount of fiber in the acai berry also helps the body stay full for a longer period of time. It is suggested that a combination of natural sugars for fuel combined with slow-burning fiber is a winning combination for metabolism boost and burning fat. The water content of fruit is an added benefit why fruit can help you shed pounds. It has shown that when the body is properly hydrated those cravings and hunger pains subside. It has been noted that often times dehydration can be mistaken for hunger.

Food for thought - Some information I thought you would find useful.

Metabolism Boosting Breakfast Options

Oatmeal:

Foods high in fiber are always effective in boosting metabolism. Oatmeal is especially high in dietary fibers which are known as soluble fibers. Fiber helps boost metabolism by giving your body energy need to burn fats. Fiber is also helps the body maintain lower levels of insulin which keeps blood glucose levels low. Another benefit of oatmeal and other high-fiber breakfast cereals is that help your feel satisfied and full which helps to lower your caloric intake. Foods with high levels of fibers help curb your appetite by preventing insulin gushes. Insulin gushes are what cause fluctuations in your blood glucose levels. Having a low blood glucose level can cause hunger and overeating. By eating oatmeal you can control the insulin changes and reduce the amount of calories your take in daily. Dietary fibers such as those found in oatmeal combined with a lower caloric intake help fat burning by activating enzymes that key in fat metabolism. Oatmeal has 4.13 g dietary fiber per serving, 151 calories and 25.86 g carbohydrate, 2.69 g total fat and no cholesterol. Combine oatmeal with fruits such as apples, peaches or blueberries for an extra metabolism kick.

Boiled Eggs:

Boiled eggs are among some of the foods that are high in protein. Foods that are high in protein contain important amino acids that the body needs for healthy growth. Protein is key in the growth of your organs, hair, skin, nails and muscles. It is necessary to consume appropriate amounts of protein to build muscle and maintain good health. Both too many and too little proteins can have adverse effects on your body. Having too much protein is especially dangerous as can force your kidneys to work harder to filter your system and rid your body of ketones. It is recommended including one high protein food into every meal of the day including your snacks. Proteins also provide a boost to metabolism as it is harder for the body to digest protein and forces the body to use 25 percent more energy to burn those foods. Eggs are a popular protein food source. Hard boiled eggs contain 6.29 proteins per egg. This protein is essential in building muscle which in turn will help burn fat cells and shed excess weight.

Whole-grain cereals:

Whole-grain cereals are also a reliable food source for fiber and carbohydrates. Fiber is noted for its assistance in maintaining a healthy digestive system as well as force out excess waste. Whole-grain cereals have been known to boost the metabolism by maintaining low levels of insulin. Maintaining low blood glucose levels is important to keeping your body functioning properly. Whole-grain cereals are also recognized for their complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are the source for your body energy. Your body needs a certain amount of simple sugars to provide energy to help burn fat. These simple sugars are mostly found in foods that contain complex carbs. Whole grains cereal such as Total Whole-Grain contains a wealth of other vitamins and nutrients responsible for maintaining a healthy body. Vitamin such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 (another great source for energy), Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, Niacin, Thiamin, Calcium and Iron are just a few of the added benefit of 1 bowl of whole-grain cereal, all of which play a part in boosting your metabolism to achieve a healthy weight loss.

Yogurt:

From the dairy food group, one breakfast items that has been known for its metabolism boosting capabilities is yogurt. Yogurt provides the body with necessary good bacteria necessary to maintain metabolism. Active yogurt contains active cultures. Active cultures are, the good bacteria. The good bacteria that our bodies need to maintain a health intestinal tract are lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophiles. For significant weight loss, try eating just 500 calories less per day and adding three servings of low fat yogurt. Yogurts containing 100 million live cultures are suggested by dieticians and nutritionist. Adding fruit or grains such as granola will give yogurt an added health boost. For instance, berries in yogurt add antioxidants and simple sugars that they body can use for energy. Adding grains such as granola can help the body feel full longer as well as provide a healthy dose of fiber. Having a breakfast containing yogurt, fruit and fiber is a weight loss triple play. Plain yogurt has 137 calories per 8 ounce serving, 14g of Protein, 0g of Saturated fat, 19g of Carbohydrates. Plain yogurt also provides a significant amount of Calcium.

Food for thought - Some information I thought you would find useful.

I was working on some articles for this lady (situation gone wrong...lol) and found some pretty useful information I wanted to share with you.

Metabolism Boosting Beverages

Coffee (Black):

Black coffee is fat free and calorie free. Some studies indicate that coffee may sometimes act as an appetite suppressant. Appetite suppressants reduce your desire to eat food. As with any appetite suppressant, the effects may be short-lived. For some, coffee actually acts an appetite stimulant and may increase your desire to eat. Coffee contains caffeine which is believed to provide a temporary metabolism boost. Those that drink coffee say they feel like they received an extra jolt of energy. Those that feel tired and need to get a power boost will often drink a cup of coffee for its caffeine content. Caffeine causes the body to digest food to produce energy and internal heat. Caffeine also stimulates physical activity. Both attributes cause the body to burn extra calories. Another added benefit of coffee, the caffeine content can works for some individuals a s a diuretic. A diuretic is responsible for eliminating excess water from the body. People taking diuretic may often feel the need to urinate more often than usual. Expelling excess water from the body is also a way to achieve weight loss. It is important to remember to drink 8 glass of water a day to prevent dehydration and promote healthy body functions. In an 8 ounce serving of coffee there is only 2 calories and 5mg of Sodium.

Green Tea:

Drinking green tea will increase your metabolism by 4 percent. Green tea leaves contain more polyphenols than other types of teas. These polyphenols and the natural caffeine in tea are what cause a boost in metabolism and an increase in burning fat. Burning fat is needed to lose weight. To gain the most from green tea, it should be used as a supplement to your weight plan. A good weight loss plan should include exercise or some form of increase in physical activity and a healthy balanced meal. Eating 5 or more small meals throughout the day are best for increases your metabolism as your body doesn’t become extremely hunger which can result in overeating and they lethargic feeling after. Meals should essentially be low in calorie, high in vitamins and fiber. Having a diet consisting of substantial amounts of proteins and other nutrients work well with green tea; providing the metabolism boost require for successful weight loss. Green tea only contains 2 calories. Many individuals prefer to drink green tea with breakfast and/or lunch. Green tea is also known for its detoxifying effects. Those that drink tea also find that it keeps their system flowing regularly. A regular digestive system is also required for proper weight loss.

Water

Water is a necessity of life. The human body alone is made up of 75 percent water. In order for your body to function properly it must remain hydrated. Water is essential for proper organ function and basic body health, including skin integrity. If the body is without water it will cause the liver to retain fluids. When the body begins to retain water, weight loss and calorie burning cease. People who do not drink the require 8 ounces of water are more like to experience issue with their kidney and bladder. Those who deprive their body of water will actually gain weight because of the water retention. It is important to make sure you are getting the right amount of water daily in order to ensure your body functions properly and metabolism takes effect. People avoid water because of its lack of flavor but there are a large variety of flavored waters available that contain a negligible amount of calories. Always carry a bottle of water. Limit the amount of caffeine you consume. Remember to always drink water after exercise. Your body loses a lot of fluid during exercise. Replace the fluids by drinking water.