Metabolism is the chemical/metabolic process in the body that combines calories and oxygen to create and release energy. Our metabolism never stops working, even when we are resting. Instead, it constantly provides energy for essential body functions like blood circulation, food digestion, breathing, management of hormone levels, body temperature regulation and cell growth and repair. Now, since each and every human being is made differently, it’s quite normal that all of them will have a different metabolic system.
Usually, people are divided into two categories, ones with fast and ones with slow metabolic systems. The fast metabolism is known for its ability to burn a lot of calories even when you’re sleeping and resting, while the slower one burns significantly lower amounts of calories. In order to have a healthy metabolism, you shouldn’t skip meals, and you should fuel your body with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, carbohydrates and lean protein.
However, if you do have a slower metabolism aside from eating regular and healthy foods, there are some natural ways that can help you speed it up.
Green Tea Leaves
When it comes to teas, green tea is one of the most popular types. It’s considered one of the healthiest beverages since it’s made from leaves that aren’t oxidised. They’re the least processed and are loaded with antioxidants and many other compounds from which you can benefit a lot.
What Is Green Leaf Tea Good For?
Well, the first and most important health benefit of this tea is that its general consumption can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. These healthy green tea leaves are also highly effective in lowering the chances of stroke, improving the skin’s appearance and improving your overall well-being. This tea may also prevent cancer and can help with weight loss.
Aside from antioxidants, this tea also has caffeine and catechins in it which are considered to have a great role in increasing energy metabolism which can lead to weight loss.
As we all know, caffeine is a stimulant that’s proven as great in burning fat and improving exercise performance. In other words, caffeine coming from green tea will provide you with the needed energy to work out while helping you burn some extra calories. When combined with a healthy diet you can certainly lose weight and get rid of that stubborn fat. And as a bonus, you’ll be able to see a huge difference in your muscles and your body shape.
The antioxidants in this tea are great for fighting against free radicals, which are basically particles that increase oxidative stress in the body. The green powerful tea also contains a group of antioxidants known as polyphenols and most of them are flavonols or also known as catechins which are associated with the ability to aid fat loss. Tea catcheins especially EGCGs (epigallocatechin gallate) seem to have anti-obesity effects which when paired with caffeine and antioxidants in general may help you achieve your goal and boost your metabolism.
Vitamin Supplements
Vitamin deficit is one of the most common conditions in people because most of them aren’t even aware of this. Whether because of poor diet, insufficient or no exercise at all, vitamin deficiency can happen, and this can lead to slower metabolism and weight gain. Luckily, there is a chance for you to boost it up with the help of vitamin supplements.
- B Complex – These vitamins are designed to help the body metabolise carbohydrates, proteins and fats. They are designed to activate the stored energy instead of letting it turn into fat.
- Calcium, Vitamins B5, B6, B12, Vitamin C and B complex – They provide nutrients that can improve your metabolism, aid weight loss and improve your overall well-being.
- Niacin, iron and vitamin B6 – These vitamins are considered great in increasing the production of the L-carnitine amino acid which is essential for burning fat.
Matcha
Matcha is a variety of green tea that is considered very healthy. The main difference between it and teas from green leaves is in the preparation process. Matcha is grown differently where the tea bushes are hidden from sunlight for 20 – 30 days before the harvest. Precisely this part of the process triggers the increase in chlorophyll levels and amino acids that make the leaves turn darker. Once harvested, all veins and stems are removed from the leaves after which they are stone grounded into a fine and bright green powder that is known as matcha.
When compared to regular green teas, matcha contains more antioxidants and caffeine which makes it more helpful in boosting the metabolism and weight loss. Just like the other green types of tea, matcha is also stocked with antioxidants, especially catechins and EGCGs which are great in improving fat and weight loss, and in reducing inflammation in the body. It’s said that these antioxidants are great in promoting cell repair and maintaining healthy arteries.