While some people are born with a fast metabolism and maintain the same body composition throughout their entire lives, others are born with or experience a slow metabolism, making it hard for them to lose weight or maintain a desirable figure. Besides many other factors that contribute to determining individual metabolism, diet is one of them, and one you can proficiently reduce to work in your favor.
In today’s article, we will reveal which fruits can actually boost metabolism and help us attain desirable weight goals.
How can food affect metabolism?
Metabolism is the process of converting the food we consume into energy. Therefore, the terms “fast” and “slow” metabolism refer to the rate at which our body is converting food into energy. While some people are “fast calorie burners,” others’ bodies take more time to perform this task.
To understand how food can impact the metabolism rate, we first have to explain the basics of the metabolic process.
Besides a resting metabolism, our bodies also have a digestive metabolism. This metabolism s directly linked to today’s subject – the impact of food on metabolism. Digestive metabolism is also called the thermic effect of food, abbreviated TEF. Food digestion turns carbohydrates into sugar and proteins into amino acids, which burn calories. Therefore, certain foods are easier to digest while others take more effort to break down.
Although foods rich in proteins are known for their metabolism-boosting properties, fruits rich in antioxidants can speed metabolism, as the ingredients anthocyanin and polyphenol are proven to increase energy metabolism. Fibers, which are also high in content in certain fruits, are effective in improving the metabolism of carbohydrates.
The best fruit for boosting metabolism
- Apples
Apples are rich in vitamins C and calcium D-glucarate which have a detoxicating effect on the liver. Their content of vitamin B assists the body in creating energy from fat, proteins, and carbohydrates. Vitamin K, another apple ingredient, also helps the body metabolize proteins. The apple substance pectin bonds with water and limits the number of fat cells that the body absorbs.
- Grapes
Grapes are also powerful antioxidants that contain resveratrol and anthocyanin. Anthocyanins are substances that stimulate the metabolism in muscles. Resveratrol is a member of the polyphenol group and a reducing agent. His role in improving metabolism reflects promoting the metabolism of fatty acids and boosting energy levels.
Polyphenols are substances that reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.
Even eating dried grapes can help improve your metabolism and promote a feeling of fullness.
- Berries
Berries, especially strawberries, cranberries, and blueberries, are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Strawberries and blueberries are particularly rich in leptin and adiponectin. These hormones contribute to fat-burning and enhance metabolism. The hormone leptin is in charge of metabolism in muscles and the liver and regulates energy levels. On the other hand, adiponectin regulates insulin sensitivity and the metabolism of lipids and glucose.
Like grapes, berries are beneficial in preventing metabolic syndrome.
Have we mentioned their incredibly low-calorie content? They’re definitely the perfect allies when trying to lose weight, whether you’re under Lipo C injection treatment, bypass surgery, or any other weight loss program.
- Apricots
Apricots are rich in many vitamins and minerals. Among all the others, the high quantity of apricots (13mg in 100 grams of apricots) helps maintain metabolic processes in the body. Calcium deficiency impacts the metabolism, leading to body weakness and sluggishness.
Besides calcium, apricots are rich in mineral potassium, with 259 mg per 100 grams of apricots. Potassium is responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates. This process ensures the supply of the cells with energy.
Besides the mentioned minerals, apricots are furnished with antioxidants (flavonoids) and loaded with fiber that helps in the fat-burning process and promotes metabolism.
- Bananas
Bananas are a potent fruit for supplying your body with energy, especially after a workout. As an impressive energy source, it also boosts the metabolism.
Potassium has a great content quality in bananas, with 358mg in only 100 grams of bananas. Potassium is a mineral that promotes metabolism by transferring nutrients to the cells.
Besides minerals, bananas are rich in vitamin B, a vitamin that is vital for bone and protein metabolism.
Although rich in metabolism-boosting ingredients, bananas are also rich in sugar and carbs, so moderate consumption of bananas is recommended.
- Avocado
Like bananas, avocados are a pure source of energy. Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fat, which is considered a healthy fat. Healthy fats are contributors to metabolism due to their role in the absorption of vitamins that boost the metabolic processes.
Another advantage of eating avocados is their ability to suppress appetite and reduce belly fat, which is especially beneficial for those who aim to lose weight.
Final Thoughts
Although the mentioned fruit can help your body boost metabolism, the quantity of food you intake is as important as its quality. On the other hand, eating a fruit that can increase your metabolism is insufficient if other parts of your diet are rich in sugar, carbohydrates, and fats, and are overloaded with calories. Meaning, that the impact of boosting your metabolism with fruit will lack the results as unhealthy food will provide the opposite effect.