Foods That Help Raise Your Metabolism

According the the University of Illinois, metabolism slows for many reasons, including aging and a poor diet. However, there are many ways you can naturally raise your metabolism, such as eating certain foods. Once metabolism has increased, weight can be lost more quickly because the body is burning off calories at a faster rate.

Grapefruit

• Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that contains high levels of vitamin C and properties that can help reduce insulin levels, states the Food Safety Network. This reduction in insulin helps increase the body's metabolism, resulting in a higher caloric expenditure during the day. Grapefruit can be eaten sliced, put into fresh fruit smoothies or juiced.

Broccoli

• Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is high in riboflavin, which has been connected with an increase in metabolism and weight loss, according to the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. You can eat broccoli raw on a salad, steamed over rice, baked into a pasta dish or even blended into a fruit smoothie. Once blended, you will not taste the broccoli but will reap the health benefits.

Apples

• Apples are naturally high in vitamins and fiber, and can help boost the metabolism by flushing out the digestive tract, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more easily. Apples are a versatile fruit that can be eaten raw, baked, steamed, blended into a smoothie or juiced.

Oatmeal

• Oatmeal is a whole grain that contains high levels of fiber and raises the metabolism by flushing out the digestive tract. Oatmeal can be baked into breads, cooked on the stove with water or eaten raw in granola.

Peppers

• Hot, spicy peppers contain capsaicin, which allows your metabolism to increase by releasing stress hormones in your body. You can eat spicy peppers in salsa and hot sauces, or you can bake peppers into pasta or casseroles.