Foods To Boost Metabolism According To Ayurveda

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Boosting metabolism is the magic word behind burning calories for weight watchers. But, to increase it, is not all that simple. Metabolism is a complex process where the body converts the food you eat into energy.

When food is combined with oxygen, the glucose gets broken down to release energy required for body functions. This is catabolism.

Anabolism is when components of cells such as proteins and nucleic acids are built. Metabolism is a combination of both these processes.

A human body requires energy even when it is resting for activities like breathing and blood circulation. The faster your metabolic process is, the more calories you burn. The more calories you burn, greater your weight loss is.

There are several factors that affect the rate of metabolism. Men tend to have a higher metabolic rate than women. And, some people inherit a speedy metabolic process. People with more muscles have a quicker rate. The rate decreases as you age.

The rate can be increased with regular exercises and watching the food you eat. As says Dr V Ajithkumar, senior physician and medical superintendent, Ayurvaid Hospitals, "Weight gain is not the result of a slow metabolic rate alone. These food items are routine home remedies that will aid as preventive measures as they can increase the metabolic rate."

"However, one needs regular exercise, right eating habits and sleep to maintain a healthy body. Also, check for any underlying medical issues like thyroid, diabetes or hormonal changes in case of weight gain," added Dr Ajithkumar.

There are certain food items that are believed to have an impact (but are no magic bullet) on the rate of metabolism. Here are some:

Ginger:

People who consume ginger show greater levels of thermogenesis - the warming effect of energy produced by metabolizing food. Ginger enhances digestion and makes the process of catabolism quicker. With this stored mass will be converted to energy that is usable.

Green Tea:

Green tea is a radical scavenger. It clears minute metabolic pathways, through which the chemical reactions involved in metabolism happen. It contains catechin polyphenols that increase fat oxidation.

Lemon Water:

Lemon water dissolves the mucus slug and stimulates digestive enzymes. With this happens quicker digestion and absorption of food. However, long term use might cause acidity in pitta dosha predominant persons.

Tulsi Tea:

Tulsi tea works similar to green tea. It has anti-oxidant properties and removes free radicals. It has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties too.

Sesame Oil:

It cleanses the mucus slug and increases enzymatic action. It also prevents fat and cholesterol from accumulating in the body. The chemical element called Lignans enhances fat burning by increasing liver enzymes.

Triphala Powder:

Triphala powder is made up of three fruits-gooseberry, haritaki and bibhitaki. The powder alleviates vitiated pitta, thereby increasing catabolism. It is also a radical scavenger, aids in detoxifying the liver and prevents fat accumulation. The fibre content is also high, leading to poor absorption of fats and sugar from guts.

Cinnamon:

Some studies say that cinnamon increases the metabolism of glucose, thanks to the presence of a compound called methylhydroxy chalcone polymer.