Foods that boost the metabolism

Men lose weight more easily than women. One reason for this could be that men release more stress hormones, such as norepinehrine, in response to training and emotional stress. These hormones stimulate lipolysis - the breakdown of fat into fatty acids. It works by triggering hormone-responsive lipases (HSL), an enzyme that causes the release of fat from fat cells. HSL activity determines your ability to lose weight. The higher your nervous system is set to release stress hormones, the more calories you metabolize each day. Scientists at the University of Colorado (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 86:4440-4444,2001) found that these nerve signals are lower in some people, especially those over 30 who don't exercise. Those trying to lose weight should try to boost their metabolism by exercising intensely and eating foods that accelerate metabolic performance.
Thermogenic foods, such as green tea, capsaicin, thyrosine and calcium can rev up your metabolism. Danish scientists found that taking a supplement containing one of these nutrients increased metabolism by almost 2% per 24 hours. Many weight loss products contain these substances. This study showed that these products could promote weight loss. (Eur J Clin Nutr, 59: 733-741, 2005)