There are many myths that I’m sure many of you have heard regarding metabolism. I recently came across an article that distinguished the difference between which myths are fact and which are fiction. We are always looking for ways to speed up our metabolism but are the ways we attempt to do this actually working? Here are some of the most commons myths:
1. Drinking ice water can help speed up your metabolism. This myth is actually true. The effect is small but drinking about 5 glasses a day could potentially help you burn about 10 extra calories per day! (Global)
2. Celery and some other vegetables are “negative calorie” foods. This myth is false. You may have heard of the term “negative calorie” meaning the food you are eating takes more calories to burn off then are actually in the food. Celery has about 6 calories but takes about a half of a calorie to burn off. So according to the article on Global Health and Fitness, negative calorie foods are more wishful thinking than anything.
3. Protein helps to ignite your metabolism. This myth is true. Interestingly enough, your body burns up to twice as many calories while digesting the protein. Eating about 10 to 20 g of protein per meal will greatly boost your metabolism.
In perspective, there are more myths about metabolism that are true rather than false. It is important to be able to distinguish between the two!
Works Cited
“Metabolism Myths..GLOBAL HEALTH AND FITNESS.” Metabolism Myths..GLOBAL HEALTH AND FITNESS. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. <http://www.globalhealthandfitness.com/metabolism myths.htm>.