4 vitamins and minerals to boost metabolism
Metabolism is the chemical process by which food is converted into energy. There are multiple chemical processes involved in metabolism. Certain minerals and vitamins can boost this process. Also, what one consumes greatly influences the speed and quality of their metabolism. Therefore, consuming foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins can seriously increase one’s energy throughout the day. Here are some of the vitamins and minerals that boost one’s metabolism:
1. B vitamins
This family of vitamins is critical for energy metabolism in the body. Essentially, if one does not consume these vitamins, they may have digestive issues. The various B vitamins are B-12, biotin, folate, B-6, pantothenic acid, or B-5, niacin, or B-3, riboflavin, or B-2, and thiamine, or B-1. Out of these vitamins, B-12 is responsible for the metabolism of fats and proteins. Vitamins B-6 and folate help facilitate this process. Thiamine enables metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, while B-6 helps metabolize some key proteins. Vitamin B-rich foods include whole grains, dairy products, eggs, lean meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, spinach, potatoes, squash, bananas, apples, grapes, and watermelons.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is used up by the body when a person is stressed. At the same time, the body releases a lot of cortisol when a person is stressed. Cortisol tends to put a person’s body into fight or flight mode and pauses several bodily functions. Effectively, a lack of vitamin C can result in stress and greater percentages of cortisol in a person’s bloodstream. To address stress and prevent the body’s metabolism from grinding to a halt, one needs to consume more vitamin C daily. Oranges and fresh or frozen berries are rich in vitamin C.
3. Iron
This chemical is essential for revving up an individual’s metabolism. Iron is responsible for transporting blood and oxygen to various body parts. Less iron tends to cause a reduction of oxygen in one’s bloodstream. Red meat, liver, and mixed beans are great sources of iron.
4. Magnesium
This element improves an individual’s muscle function and promotes good chemical reactions that release energy in an individual’s body. Foods rich in magnesium include legumes, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, potatoes, whole grains, bananas, and potatoes.
Apart from these, some other metabolism-enhancing vitamins and minerals are vitamin D, manganese, and calcium. Consuming foods rich in these elements ensures food is efficiently broken down into energy in consumers’ bodies.
