[custom_adv] 1. BLUEBERRIES These juicy blue spheres are rich in antioxidants called flavonoids—more specifically anthocyanins—which combat free radicals and inflammation. In fact, a review in the journal Frontiers in Immunology showed that chronic metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases all develop from chronic inflammation. [custom_adv] 2. GREEN TEA This hulk-hued tea is the ultimate weight loss enabler and the perfect way to boost your metabolism. That’s because the tea leaves contain catechins called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. [custom_adv] 3. DARK CHOCOLATE If you need something sweet to go alongside a hot mug of green tea, definitely go for chocolate with a cacao content of 70 percent or more. The heart-healthy dark stuff can prevent weight gain, lower blood sugar, and even combat insulin resistance and inflammation. [custom_adv] 4. TURMERIC Thanks to turmeric’s main antioxidant, curcumin, the exotic spice boasts a bright amber color and some seriously magical anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to maintaining a youthful metabolism, turmeric can also help prevent cognitive decline, liver damage, heart disease, and the effects of arthritis. [custom_adv] 5. STEEL CUT OATS Limiting your exposure to stress is a great way to keep your metabolism functioning, but since life happens, we can’t always control whether or not a hair pulling sitch will ruin our day. [custom_adv] 6.CHERRIES If you don’t get sufficient shuteye, your metabolism is likely to get a hit. "Research has shown that sleep-deprived people have more difficulty regulating their blood sugar and therefore are often hungrier than individuals who are getting their eight hours per night," explains Dr. Lauren Beardsley, Associate Physician with Integrative Health. [custom_adv] 7. RED PEPPERS Did you know that just one cup of red peppers contains over three times the recommended daily intake of vitamin C? That’s great news for your metabolism because this nutrient fights off free radicals and stress hormones. [custom_adv] 8. LOW FAT COTTAGE CHEESE Not only is this curdled cheese a dieter’s dream (it’s low in fat and high in protein), but it also contains casein protein—a slow releasing milk protein that will keep hunger pangs at bay—as well as tryptophan. [custom_adv] 9. APPLES If you’re one to peel your apple out of its skin, you’re missing out on some metabolism-loving pectin—a natural fruit fiber that helps the beneficial bacteria Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus grow, according to a study published in the journal Anaerobe. [custom_adv] 10. Salmon Fish Fatty fish like wild salmon are a wonderful source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s, a type of polyunsaturated fat. As an added bonus, not only does the wild-caught fish pack in protein, it’s also got both EPA and DHA, two fatty acids that are already in an active form.
