1. Set It on Fire
Capsaicin—a
molecule found in spicy foods such as peppers, certain spices, Tabasco
sauce, and salsa—has been shown to decrease cholesterol absorption and
increase enzymes that help metabolize fat. Cayenne or ground red pepper
contains the most capsaicin, but all red peppers, including milder forms
of chili powder and paprika, have been found to increase calorie
burning and are surprisingly good sources of antioxidants. However, it
works like this: the hotter the pepper the greater the capsaicin. To
punch up these positive effects, particularly to increase a feeling of
satiety, pair the spicy sauces with protein. Some studies suggest that
capsaicin can help boost your metabolism by as much as 50 percent for
three hours after ingestion.
2. Eat Red and Green Chili Peppers
One
of the most popular ways to boost your metabolism is by dining on green
and red chilies. Studies have shown that people tend to eat less food
when they are flavored with these antioxidant-rich peppers, which also
have a positive impact on your body’s cholesterol levels.
3. Add Cayenne
Cayenne
not only boosts your metabolism, it serves as a potent stimulant for
the whole body and a tonic for the nervous system. Recently, research
has suggested that cayenne can also ease the severe pain of shingles and
migraines. So spice up your meals and feel good about it. Luckily for
us all, cayenne is readily available in powdered form or as a bottled
hot sauce.
4. Curry Favor
Next
time you’re out at the grocery store or an Indian restaurant, order
some curry. One of the primary ingredients in curry, turmeric, aids
digestion by stimulating the flow of bile and the breakdown of dietary
fats. It is a powerful source of antioxidants, containing within a
single teaspoon as many antioxidants as in a half cup of grapes. Its
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities can be traced back to
curcumin, which gives turmeric its characteristic yellow color. For
centuries, curcumin alone has been used to cure everything from
heartburn to arthritis and, according to Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible,
“the herbs that are combined to make curry help prevent heart disease
and stroke by reducing cholesterol and preventing clots.”
5. Grab Some Ginger
Ginger
has been shown to increase thermogenesis—a fancy way to say it fires up
your body’s furnace—which equals a boost in your body’s ability to
metabolize food. An Australian study found that ginger may increase
metabolic rates by as much as 20 percent for a short time after it is
eaten. Ginger may also lower cholesterol and has as many antioxidants as
a cup of spinach. Be careful, however. If ginger is used with
anticoagulants it may increase the risk of bleeding and may increase
risk of hypoglycemia when used with insulin.
6. Try Cumin Seeds
Cumin
seeds stimulate the metabolism by turning up the body’s internal heat,
but they are also rich in iron and may help promote the secretion of
pancreatic enzymes, which aid in digestion and the absorption of
nutrients. Cumin has also been thought to be able to improve the
functioning of our immune systems and help the liver process the body’s
toxins. In fact, recent studies have indicated that this powerful little
seed may reduce the risk of stomach and liver tumors in animals.
However, patients with bile duct obstruction, gallstones, and GI
disorders (including stomach ulcers and hyperacidity disorders) should
avoid using cumin.
