Sparshita Saxena, NDTV | Updated: March 16, 2018 15:56 IST
Most of us find ourselves struggling with weight loss and weight management. Therefore, it is important to understand what metabolism means and how it influences weight control.
Metabolism is a complex biochemical process during which your body extracts calories from the food consumed, combines it with oxygen and produces energy. This energy is then used by the body to sustain itself and carry out various functions like circulation of blood, breathing, food digestion, maintaining hormonal balance, growth and repair of cells. The rate at which the body converts calories into energy is known as the basal metabolic rate. Simply put, metabolism provides fuel for our body and its various functions. It also determines how efficiently the body utilizes the energy released.
The metabolic rate differs from person to person. Some of us manage to burn lesser calories as compared to others. A host of factors affect the metabolic rate. Those who are lean and have more muscles tend to have higher metabolism and end up burning more calories, even when at rest. Age and sex also play a vital role in determining your metabolic rate. Men are known to lose weight quicker as compared to women, due to lesser body fat and more muscles. As one gets older the body loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult to burn calories. On an average, a person's metabolism declines between 5% and 10% per decade.
How to boost your metabolism?
For those of you who have a sluggish metabolic rate, a slight change in your lifestyle can do wonders. It is seen that regular exercise builds up the basal metabolic rate. Walking and running can prove to be beneficial but there is nothing like strength training. As one loses fat and builds up lean muscles, metabolism gets a significant boost.
Natural coolers: According to a latest study, staying cool and hydrated can assist in maintaining a high rate of metabolism. Balancing bodily fluids is very essential in maintaining a healthy metabolic rate hence natural coolers like melon and cucumber can help in keeping you cool.
Milk and yogurt: Milk is a rich source of calcium and some of the recent studies hold that regular calcium intake can help the body metabolize fat efficiently. Yogurt is well known for being rich in probiotics, the good bacteria that helps in digestion and keeps you cool. Cottage cheese is rich in protein and it can help you build, maintain and repair muscles.
Green tea and coffee: According to a study that was published in the American Journal ofClinical Nutrition, men who consumed a combination of caffeine and green tea extracts burned more calories. Green tea is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols which have numerous health benefits and also aid in weight loss. Caffeine helps in warding off lethargy and can even increase your endurance during workouts. Green tea also contains a plant compound called EGCG that helps in burning fat.
Green vegetables: Garden fresh vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, spinach and avocados are high in minerals, protein and iron content which provide you with truckloads of energy to fulfill your daily requirements and keep you going. (More: Go green to boost metabolism)
Fish: Oily fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which can increase your metabolism significantly. Fish oil can increase the levels of fat burning enzymes in your body.
Lentils and Whole Grains: Lentils are a great source of proteins, carbohydrates and fiber that helps in good digestion. The iron content facilitates the flow of oxygen throughout the body which further helps in boosting metabolism and energy production. Also, include whole grains in your diet as they require extra energy to break down and digest and help in burning fat.
Nuts and Seeds: Dry fruits are a powerhouse of energy. Nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios have numerous health advantages. Nuts are great sources of protein. Since protein has a high thermic effect your body will have to burn more fats to digest these. Seeds like sunflower seeds and flax seed also help in lifting your metabolism.
