15 Smart Ways (and a Household Spice) to Boost Your Metabolism Rate Faster!

Metabolism refers to the process of repeatedly initiating and executing certain biochemical reactions in the human body that are essential for sustaining life processes. It consists of three stages:

1. Extracting proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates

2. The conversion of food to energy

3. Removal of metabolic wastes from the human body

This natural process includes key processes like digestion, synthesis of blood, intercellular transport of oxygen, and release of energy. In the event of some ailments (like Type 2 diabetes and thyroid), several processes related to the processing and release of energy are impacted, thus affecting the patient’s metabolism rate negatively.

We are offering this article to help you figure out just how you can mitigate those habits and live a healthier life. We shall also discuss how a common household spice, cumin, could help you improve your digestive system naturally.

How to Boost Metabolism Rate?

Metabolism refers to all biochemical reactions that help in maintaining the living state of the body cells of an organism. It is linked to one’s nutrition levels and the absorption of the nutrients that one gets from the foods. These biochemical reactions and processes are essential to provide energy and necessary chemicals to build, maintain, and repair body tissues.

A proper rate of metabolism means that your biochemical reactions are working just as they should and you are deriving maximum results from them. If you are not, chances are there is something wrong with your lifestyle and dietary practices, and that you should consult a doctor promptly.

How to Boost Metabolism Naturally?

The best way to improve any biological process in our body is through a natural process. It does not only mean staying away from popping pills, it also means making several changes to your (sedentary) lifestyle too. These changes may include your eating habits and workout preferences.

Here’s what else you can do to increase your metabolism rate at home:

Spice up Your Food

Sprinkling on some hot sauce or chopped chilies is a surefire way to eat less. This could be up to 30 percent less than when you eat a milder meal, according to one study. Peppers contain a compound called capsaicin that regulates appetite-inducing hormones, thus significantly speeding up your digestion and absorption rate.

Don’t sit too much

Sitting at a desk for several hours a day at work is harmful to your health. Scientists caution that sitting for long hours, also called the ‘Sitting Disease’, may have a similar impact on one’s health as smoking. Studies show that even those who meet exercise guidelines can have a 74% higher risk of metabolic syndrome if they sit for more than 3 hours a day.

This metabolic slowdown happens because your muscles aren’t working hard at all while you sit. You’re burning less fat and you’re lowering your insulin sensitivity. Conversely, if you are a frequent traveler, you can still put yourself at risk if your metabolism and insulin levels are not appropriate.

Lift enough weights

Your body fat is an antithesis to your weight-loss aspirations. However, it is your muscles that keep up the good show. They are always at work and help you burn calories throughout the day- even when you’re sleeping. Not doing enough weight training leads to low muscle mass and poor metabolism. To rev up the burning rate of your calories, you should try weight training thrice a week.

Get enough protein

If you want to build muscles, you should consume proteins. It takes more calories to digest protein than it does to digest carbohydrates or fats. Thus they keep you feeling ‘full’ for longer and also prevent you from overeating. Some great sources of protein are lean cuts, poultry, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, legumes, and whey protein.

Drink water

Your body needs 6 liters of water daily to run biological functions, including digestion. Dehydration and excess consumption of sugary foods can slow down these processes, thus making you feel tired and dizzy. To combat fatigue and elevate your metabolism, keep a bottle of water with you at all times.

Some people do not prefer drinking plain water. Here’s what they can do:

1. They may add slices of fresh berries, ginger, or oranges or some mint leaves to get a better flavor.

2. They can also have a cup of green tea every morning to increase their water intake. Studies show that regular consumption of this herbal beverage may increase your calorie burn to up to 20 percent per day.

How to Boost Metabolism in the Morning?

How you wake up in the morning dictates how strong your metabolism and other related biological processes are. Here are some smart ways to boost it further:

1. Sleep and wake up early

2. Go for a brisk walk

3. Aim for a 5k or 10k run

4. Meditate and workout

5. Have a protein- and mineral-based diet

6. Include fiber in your daily diet

7. Don’t binge on junk foods and sugary drinks

8. Cut down on smoking and alcohol

9. Stay away from stress

10. Cut down on your caffeine intake

Part 2: Cumin, the Best Metabolism Booster

Cumin seeds (Hindi: Jeera) are the dried seeds of the herb Cuminum cyminum. It is a member of the Apiaceae family that’s commonly known as the celery, carrot, or parsley family, a family of mostly aromatic plants with hollow stems. These digestive seeds are used for their distinctive flavor and aroma.

Using cumin as a daily spice in your food cuts down the risk of tumor, diabetes, epilepsy, and fungus in the body. Aside from being a natural blood purifier, it also boosts your immunity rather quickly by reducing digestive system disorders.

What is cumin used for?

This household spice is popular around the world and is used as an essential flavoring in South Asian, Northern African, and Latin American households. Its seeds are very famous for their medicinal properties. They taste tangy, spicy, and slightly bitter though.

Nutrition value of cumin seeds:

Cumin (or jeera in Hindi) packs in a lot of nutrients and antioxidants to help in good health and fitness. They strengthen our digestive and nervous systems, and can also provide a better immunity against seasonal diseases like cough and cold.

The following table lists the nutritional value of cumin seeds taken per 100 gms.

Nutritional value per 100 g of cumin seeds

The above values are taken from Wikipedia and are verified by USDA.

Benefits: Is cumin good for you?

Let's explore some of the major benefits of including cumin seeds in your daily food:

Boosts metabolism levels

Want to boost your metabolism levels? This household spice can increase the concentration of pancreatic and digestive acids to boost the metabolism rate.

Improves the digestive system

The presence of thymol and other essential oils in cumin seeds stimulates the salivary glands. This improves the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.

Helps you lose weight faster

Daily consumption of cumin water helps in faster weight loss by stimulating the appetite and removing the toxins from the body. It also reduces bloating, flatulence, stomach pain, and irregular bowel movements.

Detoxifies your body

Detoxification is very important for healthy living. Cumin seeds are full of dietary fibers that remove the toxic materials in the body. They also cleanse the skin to make it fresher and rejuvenated.

Promotes better sleep

Regular intake of cumin water helps in treating sleep disorders and enhances sound sleep. You should consider drinking a glass of cumin water before going to bed to ensure a fulfilling good night’s sleep.

Regulates blood pressure and heart rate

Cumin seeds are rich in potassium. This mineral helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body, regulating cell production, and improving blood pressure. Its regulatory properties also make it a must-have for patients with heart diseases.

Improves all biological processes

These seeds are rich in flavonoid phenolic antioxidants like zeaxanthin, carotenes, and lutein and they all have anti-inflammatory properties. They also help with respiratory issues, bowel movements, joint infections, umbilical hernia, intestinal diseases, eye problems, and toothache.

Bonus: How to make cumin water at home?

To ensure that you don't miss your daily intake of this super seed, we recommend having a glass of cumin water in the morning. Please click this link to know how you can make it at home in 5 minutes.

This health drink would help in weight loss, reduces stress, controls blood sugar levels, and purifies the blood.

Substitute for cumin powder and ground cumin

Here are the substitutes for cumin in grounded or powdered form: grounded coriander, paprika, curry powder, caraway seeds, and fennel seeds.

Please note that not all the medicinal value of cumin seeds can be derived from these spices.

What does cumin taste like?

Cumin seeds taste bitter and can leave your mouth dry. Its strong taste may be reduced by eating some fennel seeds afterward.

What is cumin powder?

Cumin powder is the grounded form of dried cumin seeds.

Consult a healthcare professional for an expert opinion on your metabolism rate and eating habits

These are some of the simplest and easiest ways you can follow to boost your metabolism rate at home. We also recommend making several healthy changes to your lifestyle and consulting with a virtual healthcare specialist for the best results.

The latter is a trouble-free mode of gaining professional and personalized guidance for health issues and can be availed on-demand without any appointments or paperwork. You may get started with your first online teleconsultation using your smartphone, internet connectivity, and a valid MevoLife account.