Nutrients that help increase metabolism

We all know the crucial role metabolism plays in weight loss as well as the proper functioning of the body. However, factors like genetics, age, hormonal imbalance can come in the way of how the body digests the food and converts it into energy. While we cannot control every aspect of it, the good news is that there are certain nutrients that can help increase one’s metabolism. Dr Manoj Kutteri, Wellness Director at Atmantan Wellness Centre sheds light on the same…

Essential Amino Acids

Essential amino acids (the end products of protein metabolism) have a profound effect on boosting our metabolism. While carbohydrates and proteins both contain four calories per gram, protein forces our body to use more calories in digestion as compared to carbohydrates. The reason being, its thermic effect. In this, up to 30% calories from proteins get burned during the process of digestion. This is also one of the explanations to why a high-protein diet speeds up metabolism. On the contrary, carbohydrates and fats have a very low thermic effect. Dairy products, meat, fish, egg and the combination of grains and legumes are some of the sources of essential amino acids.

Fibre

We know that food intake is directly proportional to metabolic rate. Dietary fibre contains a unique blend of bioactive substances which include resistant starches. An excellent choice for boosting the metabolism, it helps get rid of the extra pounds of fat without increasing the calorie load. Though usually indigestible, when consuming fibre, our body continuously makes an attempt to digest and eliminate it. While doing so, it uses much more energy than we do while eating refined products that lack fibre. You can get your fix from beans, whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables.

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Vitamins

There’s no magic to boosting the metabolism, but getting enough vitamins from a healthy source will certainly help. Remember, receiving them from a healthy, balanced diet is preferable to taking supplements (unless one is suffering from acute deficiency).

Vitamin A plays an important role in the regulation of thyroid hormones which regulate the body’s energy. This, in turn, affects the rate of your metabolism. Lowered thyroid functions are associated with a decrease in metabolism. There are plenty of low-calorie options for adequate Vitamin A in the diet, such as carrots, red peppers, spinach, mangoes, cantaloupe, apricots, eggs and salmon.

Vitamin C is also an important nutrient that improves your immunity, ensuring a higher metabolism rate.

Minerals and Metabolism

Like Vitamins, certain minerals are important in breaking down nutrients into energy, including iron, copper and chromium. They play an essential role in metabolism, turning food into energy. Chromium (found in broccoli, shellfish, Brazil nuts and pear) is a trace mineral often used in a number of weight-loss supplements. It improves insulin activity and also metabolises fat, protein and carbs.

By the end of it, the key lies in a well-balanced diet!

Atmantan Wellness Director, Dr Manoj Kutteri has two decades of experience in the wellness industry in India and abroad. He has a Doctorate in Health Sciences from the United States and carries an extensive knowledge of the mind-body medicine. The expert is also well versed in Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Nutrition, Acupuncture, Yoga, Physical Culture and Psychology.

 

 

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