Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. This is an important process, as it helps your body to function properly.
There are many things that can affect your metabolism, including age, activity level, and genetics.
However, one of the most important factors is diet. In this article, we will discuss 10 Nigerian foods that can help boost your metabolism and help you lose weight!
1. Fish
Fish is a great Nigerian food for boosting metabolism. This is because fish is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which have been shown to increase metabolism.
In addition, fish is also a good source of iodine, which helps to keep the thyroid gland functioning properly. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, so it’s important to keep it healthy!
2. Wheat flour
Wheat flour is the flour obtained from grinding wheat for human consumption. It is used for various purposes, such as making pastries and swallows in Nigeria.
Wheat is an excellent food for metabolism because it is high in fiber, which has been shown to increase metabolism.
In addition, wheat flour also contains a type of starch that your body cannot digest, which means that it takes more energy to process.
This makes wheat flour an excellent choice for people looking to boost their metabolism and lose weight!
3. Beans
Beans are another Nigerian food that can help boost metabolism. This is because beans are high in fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating.
In addition, beans contain a compound called Phaseolamin, which has been shown to block the absorption of carbohydrates. This means that eating beans can help you to lose weight!
Common Nigerian foods prepared with beans such as okpa, moin moin, akara, af gbegiri soup are all great for Improving metabolism.
4. Peppers
Peppers are not only a great source of flavor, but they may also help boost your metabolism. The main active ingredient in peppers that helps to boost metabolism is capsaicin.
Capsaicin is an organic compound that gives peppers their characteristic pungent taste and smell.
This compound has been shown to increase the rate at which your body burns calories (known as metabolic rate). In one study, healthy adults who consumed a capsaicin-rich supplement burned an extra 100 calories per day on average.
While the effect of peppers on metabolism is relatively small, it may be beneficial to include them in your diet if you’re trying to lose weight.
Peppers are also a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, so they offer other health benefits as well.
5. Fura da nono
Fura da nono is a Nigerian dairy product that is rich in protein. Protein is important for many different functions in the body, including metabolism.
Furthermore, protein has been shown to help with weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Fura da nono is also a good source of calcium, which has been shown to boost metabolism.
6. Ginger
Ginger is a popular spice with many health benefits. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments.
Recent studies have shown that ginger may help boost metabolism. In one study, obese individuals who consumed ginger supplements lost an average of three pounds over a period of eight weeks.
Another study found that ginger increased metabolic rate by around 20% in a group of healthy adults.
The exact mechanisms by which ginger boosts metabolism are not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to its thermogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Including ginger in your diet may help you burn a few extra calories and lose weight over time.
7. Semolina
Semolina is a type of wheat that is used to make pasta and other similar dishes. It is made from the endosperm of the wheat plant, which is the part of the grain that contains the most starch. Semolina has a high protein content and is relatively low in calories.
Semolina flour is loaded with a significant amount of dietary fiber. Enriched semolina helps in boosting your metabolism by increasing in the formation of gut-friendly bacteria.
In addition, semolina is also high in protein and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for people trying to lose weight.
8. Walnuts
Walnuts are a great Nigerian food for boosting metabolism. This is because walnuts are high in protein and omega-three fatty acids, both of which have been shown to increase metabolism.
In addition, walnuts contain a compound called ellagitannins, which has been shown to boost metabolic rate.
A single ounce of walnuts (about 28 grams) contains around four grams of protein and 18 grams of fat.
While most of the fat in walnuts is healthy unsaturated fat, it’s still a good idea to eat them in moderation. Including walnuts in your diet may help you burn a few extra calories and lose weight over time.
9. Fonio (Acha)
Fonio or acha is a type of grain that is native to West Africa. It is a staple food in many Nigerian households.
Fonio is high in fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating. In addition, fonio contains a compound called phytic acid, which has been shown to block the absorption of carbohydrates.
This means that eating fonio can help you to lose weight!
Fonio is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, so it offers other health benefits as well.
If you’re looking for healthy Nigerian food that can help boost your metabolism, be sure to give fonio a try.
10. Eggs
Eggs are a popular breakfast food, but they may also help boost your metabolism. This is because eggs are high in protein and healthy fats, both of which have been shown to increase metabolism.
In addition, eggs contain a compound called choline, which has been shown to improve metabolic health.
A single egg contains around six grams of protein and five grams of fat.
While most of the fat in eggs is healthy unsaturated fat, it’s still a good idea to eat them in moderation. Including eggs in your diet may help you burn a few extra calories and lose weight over time.
Conclusion
Having a good metabolism is key to living healthy, and eating the right foods can help you achieve that. Consuming these Nigerian foods that boost metabolism can help you lose weight and feel better.
