Jump-Start Your Metabolism

Jump-Start Your Metabolism and Get Your Body to Work for You

On a cellular scale, metabolism is the breakdown of fats, proteins or carbohydrates and how our cells, organs, and tissues process these fuels. On a broader scale, metabolism is not merely the process of burning up the calories we consume from food, but rather how the various nutrients from that food help us maintain a healthy body.

Here's what the science is saying about ways to jump-start your metabolism and keep it working for you for a lifetime.

Metabolism Booster #1: Consistent Exercise: At present, exercise is the closest thing to an anti-aging pill that exists. Just 30 minutes of exercise each day can reduce a person's risk of developing heart disease by 50 percent, according to the World Health Organization. Research has shown that three 10-minute bursts of activity are just as beneficial as one long session, so the recommended daily quota could be achieved simply by taking a few short walks during the day, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking your car a few minutes from school and walking to pick up your kids. According to the WHO, such simple measures to incorporate 30 minutes of exercise into our daily life could halve our risk of developing inactivity-related disease such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Metabolism Booster #2: The Right Nutrition: Chromium is an essential trace mineral that helps the body to make glucose available for energy and to maintain normal blood sugar levels. It is also important for the metabolism of amino acids and fats. Chromium is widely believed to be useful in the treatment of diabetes. Chromium may lower the risk of heart disease. Green tea increases fat metabolism and helps to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Green tea is also thought to prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels, inhibiting LDL cholesterol oxidation, and reducing the tendency of blood platelets to stick together. It also is a potent antioxidant. Magnesium is essential for life, as it plays a major role in the metabolism of glucose. It is also used in the production of cellular energy and to create protein. In addition, magnesium may help to protect against cardiovascular disease. Potassium is important for intracellular chemical reactions and regulates the transfer of nutrients to the cells. Potassium is required for proper carbohydrate metabolism. Studies have found that potassium can reduce high blood pressure and help to prevent heart attacks. Additionally, potassium supplementation may help to prevent type 2 diabetes in people taking thiazide diuretics.