Five Ways to Spice Up Your Metabolism
When it comes to torching calories and burning fat, many of us envision hours on the treadmill, stationary bike, or yoga in a heated room. But what if we had a dietary intervention strategy that may unlock our fat burning potential and help prevent obesity. And better yet, what if this strategy could be found and implemented in your very own kitchen? These common kitchen herbs and spices may literally change your life.
- Hot chili peppers – You know those little red pepper flakes that you may sprinkle on pizza on occasion? They contain capsaicin, a chemical that encourages the stomach to register fullness. Capsaicin is responsible for the heat generated in the chili pepper itself. In addition to registering fullness, capsaicin has been shown in studies to increase metabolism. Suggested uses: Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper to a morning cup of hot water and lemon juice; sprinkle red pepper flakes atop salads, soups, and rice dishes; add a few dashes of cayenne to your next batch of brownies – it may help you eat less!
- Cinnamon – Sprinkle cinnamon in your smoothies, in your cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, or add to your main entree of choice. Cinnamon is a fabulous addition to savory dishes as much as it is to sweet treats. Cinnamon has shown to have a positive effect on blood sugar, metabolism, and blood cholesterol levels. One study demonstrated that 500 milligrams daily of a cinnamon supplement was shown to improve body composition and reduce fasting blood glucose levels.
- Turmeric - Turmeric spice contains powerful compounds called curcuminoids. Curcumin, the most studied and powerful of the curcuminoids, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body. It has been shown to boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a brain hormone linked to improved cognition and brain function. Consuming turmeric may lower your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Our Healthy Skoop Daily Detox contains Fermented Turmeric - an easy way to add this powerful spice to your daily routine!
- Ginger – Ginger has been well researched and shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects, aid in digestion, and has been shown to have thermogenic (fat-burning) effects. Add fresh or powdered ginger to stir-fries, salad dressings, smoothies, and tea.
- Green tea – Okay, not necessarily a “spice” but still found in your kitchen, Green Tea, whether in tea or powder form, is a great way to go if you're looking to kick your metabolism up a notch or two. Plenty of studies have now confirmed the thermogenic effects of drinking tea. Matcha is a (particularly potent) ground green tea powder that contains the same substance (EGCG - epigallocatechin gallate) that is responsible for having this powerful effect. Start your day with green tea, have a second cup after lunch and consider adding matcha powder to your smoothie or salad dressing. It is actually delicious! Two of our Health Skoop products contain Green tea leaf extract: Daily Greens and Daily Detox. Be sure to give them a try. Check out our Matcha Smoothie Bowl Recipe for more inspiration.
Also in Blog - The Skoop
Top Tips for Getting Healthy in 2020
A New Year is rapidly approaching. Millions of Americans are preparing to make their resolutions as they nurse their hangovers and return to work. For the majority, it’s all about losing weight and getting healthier, and in many cases, these resolutions will fail before the Spring.
The Many Different Types of Antioxidant
There are many different antioxidants and while these all serve a similar purpose; their benefits can differ quite considerably. Some of these are more common than others, some are found in abundance in the foods you consume every day while others are only found in a small number of plant-based foods.
What Defines a Superfood?
There seems to be a new superfood every season and these foods follow similar patterns and trends. It usually begins with a big health study, after which it’s picked up by a celebrity or health blog. Within weeks, it can be found in every supplement, health food store and fad diet. Before long, the trend-train comes to a screeching halt when someone pushes the obsession a little bit too far and everyone throws up their hands and says, “Okay, that’s enough now”.
News & Updates
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …