Food and Your Metabolism: How Does Your Body Respond to Foods?

When you eat food, your body cannot use it directly as a source of nourishment. Food must be converted into smaller molecules of nutrients. Digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller particles that can be used by the body.
Digestion begins in the mouth when you chew and swallow food, and is completed in the small intestine. Swallowed food is pushed down the esophagus into the stomach. The stomach stores the swallowed food and mixes it with digestive juices. Finally, the stomach empties the contents into the small intestine. Foods rich in carbohydrates spend less time in the stomach, whereas foods rich in protein stay a little longer.
Metabolism is the amount of energy or calories burned to maintain vital functions. The body gets the required energy from food through metabolism. The real answer is not to speed up your metabolism with food because this will accelerate your aging, but to slow your metabolism down and keep your weight down with a plant based diet. Some foods that fall into this category are as follows:
• Baked Potatoes – Baked potatoes are rich in magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They provide needed nutrients and boost metabolism.
• Asparagus – A zero calorie food, asparagus uses calories from the body for digestion. Asparagus is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help produce an efficient metabolism.
• Kiwi fruit – Kiwi provides abundant vitamin E, iron, potassium, and copper that boost metabolism and the immune system.
• Mangoes – They are rich sources of phosphorous, vitamins C and B12, and have lots of fiber and protein. Mangoes provide vitamins and minerals that are needed for metabolism.
• Fish – A great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, fish boosts metabolism. Omega 3 fatty acids are also good for brain function and the nervous system.
• Melons – They are high in water and antioxidants, and contain many vitamins needed for metabolism. Melons have potassium, which helps in the cellular water balance.
• Nuts – Nuts have healthy proteins with abundant nutritional values that increase the metabolism. They fill you up faster and keep you feeling full for a long time, so you eat less.
Another important factor in improving digestion is to avoid taking liquids during meals or soon after meals. Liquids will dilute the digestive juices and slow down digestion. Food normally digests better at room temperature, and drinking cold water will slow down the digestion and convert the food into fats. Avoid cold water after meals for optimal digestion.

Dr. Fred Bisci is an organic and raw food nutritionist with over 40 years of experience helping people improve longevity and reduce the risk of diet related illnesses. He has assisted over 35,000 people to improve health by focusing not only on what goes into the body, but what is left out. For more information on how a lifestyle rich in vitamins, minerals and water-plump fresh produce can help you feel better and live longer, visit:
www.anydoubtleaveitout.com