If you’ve been on a diet and exercise regimen for quite some time now with little to no results, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Maybe your metabolism is behind it.

Metabolism is the body’s way of converting what you eat and drink into energy. Even at rest, your body continues to burn calories needed to maintain certain functions, such as breathing, circulating blood and repairing cells. The rate at which your body burns calories, also known as your metabolic rate, is determined by the estimated amount of calories that your body needs to carry out its functions.

Interestingly, no two people have identical metabolic rates. At some point in your life, you probably knew someone who hardly put on weight despite overeating habits. Cases like this are mostly due to having a fast metabolic rate, which means that the body burns through large amounts of calories in very little time. Many people with fast metabolic rates may find it hard to put on weight permanently. Conversely, a person with a slow metabolic rate may find it difficult to lose weight because the body takes a long amount of time to burn calories.

If you belong in the latter, there are plenty of healthy, organic foods that can increase your metabolic rate.

Turmeric

Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, can help the body burn fat at a much faster rate due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin helps boost the metabolism by reducing the amount of LDL or “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Oatmeal

Jump-start your metabolism with a bowl of whole grain oatmeal for breakfast. The complex carbohydrates in oatmeal can give your body the energy it needs to function properly. Oatmeal is also loaded with dietary fibers that promote digestive health and regulate bowel movement. These fibers, together with complex carbohydrates, maximize your body’s ability to burn fat, thereby aiding in weight loss and reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been shown to possess thermogenic properties, which stimulate the body to burn more calories throughout the day. Additionally, cinnamon contains very few calories, with only six calories per teaspoon. It also makes for a healthy alternative to sugary foods and beverages thanks to its natural aromatic flavor. Drop a cinnamon stick in your water or green tea for a burst of flavor without adding sugar.

Green tea

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant natural antioxidant found in green tea leaves. Green tea is found to help the body burn fat at a much faster rate. EGCG is also known to prevent cell damage, fight disease-causing free radicals, improve brain function and boost metabolic rate.

Additionally, the caffeine in green tea leaves has been shown to improve physical performance by rapidly burning fat as well. By making green tea part of your regular diet, you can make the most of its EGCG and caffeine content in order to burn more fat and calories each day.

Anyone can benefit from an improved metabolism. If your body can burn through calories efficiently, you can expect to feel more awake and energized throughout the day. Additionally, a well-boosted metabolism helps protect your body from diseases and certain health conditions.

Sources:

OrganicAuthority.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

LiveStrong.com 1

LiveStrong.com 2

Academic.OUP.com

Healthline.com