6 Foods that Destroy Your Metabolism

Sharon Moore September 09, 2013

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A healthy metabolism begins with a healthy diet. If there are foods that are known to boost metabolism, there are also others that can destroy it.

Why should you pay attention to your metabolism?

Metabolism is extremely important in your health because it is literally the powerhouse of your body. Through this process, your body produces energy needed for the normal functioning of your heart, brain, muscles, liver and all other organs. Problems with metabolism have been linked to a higher risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

So what are the foods you need to avoid to ensure proper functioning of your metabolism?

Refined Grains

Love pasta, cakes and doughnuts? Not only do these foods cause uptakes in your blood sugar levels, they can also affect your metabolism. Refined grains are easily converted into sugar, increasing the risk of chronic inflammation and obesity. You don’t need to give up your love for pastries. Substitution is the key. Choose whole grain products like wheat bread, brown rice, and the like. These foods can speed up your metabolism and supply your body with essential nutrients, as long as you consume them in moderation.

Common Cooking Oils

Some oils are highly processed and are often not recognised by the body as “real food”. They are also chemically unstable and could create havoc on your metabolism and cause inflammation. Canola oil for instance, when heated, produces unhealthy trans-fats which are metabolically damaging in multiple ways.

Corn

Corn is supposed to be healthy right? Yes. Unfortunately, the corn we usually eat is not naturally produced but genetically modified. GMO foods had been linked to many health problems, including allergy, antibiotic resistance, poor immunity and cancer. Corn is also high in glycemic index, which means it can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels.

Dairy Products

Most dairy products available in groceries today, such as butter, cheese and milk, are processed and pasteurised. The heating process destroys the good fats, protein and calcium that make dairy produce healthy. When buying dairy products, choose the organic ones and consume them in moderation.

Commercially Raised Meat

Almost all meat products (especially the ones you’ll find in the store’s frozen section) are raised in such a way that they lose their nutritional value and produce toxins when cooked or heated. All these contribute to unhealthy metabolism.

Sugar

Sugar is one of the reasons why many people are obese. Apart from slowing your metabolism, sugar produces several harmful reactions in your body. It weakens your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to infections and other diseases. It may also cause an increase in your adrenaline levels, making you feel anxious and stressed. Sugar also affects your cholesterol levels and increases your risk of stroke and heart disease.

By making positive changes in your diet, you may not need expensive metabolism boosters and weight loss pills anymore. Eating the right food at the right amount can improve your metabolic rate without causing any side effects to your body. But in addition to this, you also want to give time for regular exercise. Yes, diet plus exercise are the key to a healthy metabolism.