Metabolism is nothing but the process that takes place in our cells, where food is converted to energy.
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We use this energy in performing all our activities, including temperature regulation, breathing, blood circulation, digestion, excretion, neurological functions, and muscle contraction. Metabolism involves two kinds of activities that go on at the same time. They are:
1.Anabolism – The body stores energy for future use.
2.Catabolism – The energy stores in the body are broken down to fuel body functions
Most people believe that our metabolism can be boosted easily. While it is possible to boost your metabolism, most people follow ineffective ways and end up disappointed, all thanks to the innumerable myths surrounding this topic. These myths have led people to consume more calories than they are actually burning, resulting in weight gain. We have listed a few common myths about metabolism.
Myth 1
Exercising an Hour Boosts Metabolism the Entire Day
Fact:
Exercise does boost your metabolism, as you burn more calories when you work out. This is true for activities such as swimming, running, or biking, where your heart rate goes up. But, you burn calories for as long as you are exercising, and maybe an hour after. Once you stop working out, metabolism will reset to the resting rate. Thinking that your body will continue to burn calories even after hours of working out and eating food high in calories can result in weight gain. The best thing to do is to exercise an hour every day and only eat healthy foods. Avoid using exercise as an excuse and overindulge in high-calorie foods. And do not forget to stay active throughout the day.
Myth 2
Certain Foods Boost Metabolism and Help Lose Weight
Fact:
People who religiously drink green tea, caffeinated beverages and consume hot peppers and spicy food in the hopes of boosting metabolism will be disappointed to hear this. A study found that caffeine increased metabolism, but the study participants drank a caffeinated drink every 2 hours to achieve this. Consuming so much caffeine daily is not good for your health and can result in diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia, irritability, etc. While these foods provide a small boost to your metabolism, this is not enough to lose weight.
Myth 3
With Age, Metabolism Slows Down, and People Gain Weight
Fact:
While metabolism does slow down as you age, but only because you become less active. The more physically active you are, the better your metabolism is. Adults become so busy with life and work that exercise takes a back seat, which results in muscle loss and fat gain. It is vital to make exercise a regular part of every day, even for older adults. Stay active and stick with smaller portions of healthy foods to avoid gaining weight as you age.
Myth 4
Skinny People’s Metabolism Rate Is Higher Than Overweight People.
Fact:
This is not true because overweight individuals require more energy to perform bodily functions than skinny individuals. So as you lose weight, you will require less energy and food to fuel your body. Even after you lose weight, if you continue overeating, you will regain the lost weight, and metabolism will not help. So the key is to stay active and fuel your body with healthy foods and drinks.
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