Beware: These 11 unhealthy foods can damage metabolism
05/08/2020 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
Beware: These 11 unhealthy foods can damage metabolism

Certain foods can mess with digestion and get in the way of metabolism. If you want to shed a couple of pounds or maintain a certain weight, it’s important to watch out for foods that affect how the body burns calories.

Here are 11 of the worst foods that can impair metabolism.

Refined grains

Foods like white bread, white rice and refined breakfast cereals are chock-full of refined carbohydrates that contribute to weight gain. Refined grains are also stripped of fiber, which plays an important role in digestion and metabolism.

Alcohol

When consumed in moderation, alcohol can benefit the heart and keep chronic diseases at bay. That said, too much alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and affect its absorption of essential nutrients. Too much alcohol is also linked to weight gain since it impairs the body’s ability to burn fat.

Non-organic produce

Fruits and vegetables that have been treated with pesticides can slow metabolism. A 2003 study in Obesity Review showed that organochlorine, a fat-soluble compound used in pesticides, has adverse effects on metabolic rate. People who had high levels of this compound due to the consumption of non-organic produce had a slow metabolism and found it difficult to lose weight.

Flavored yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent source of good bacteria that benefit the gut. That said, flavored varieties tend to have high amounts of refined sugar that impair proper metabolism. You should also avoid low-protein varieties since those tend to have little to no nutrients as well.

Processed fruit juice

Most of the commercially available fruit juices you find in supermarkets tend to have high amounts of refined sugar and little to no fiber at all. Frequent consumption of sweetened fruit juices can lead to weight gain fast, and it also puts you at risk of metabolic conditions like Type 2 diabetes.

Soda

Soda contains high levels of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a type of sweetener made from corn starch. Frequent consumption of soda impairs metabolism, and it also increases the risk of obesity, heart disease and stroke.

Fast food

French fries, nuggets and burgers from fast-food restaurants are often fried in hydrogenated oils that are chock-full of trans fats. Trans fats increase the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. Over time, frequent consumption of fast food can lead to weight gain since the body can no longer keep up with the cholesterol it needs to process.

Non-organic farmed beef

Farm-raised cattle for industrial meat production are often treated with antibiotics to improve the quality and flavor of the meat. However, this type of non-organic beef can affect the bacterial communities in the gut that support digestion and metabolism.

Frozen meals

Frozen meals are often bland due to a lack of natural sugars, fats and proteins. To make up for this, manufacturers load these meals with tons of sodium, trans fats and artificial flavors. Most frozen food trays also contain bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor linked to metabolic disorders and excess fat accumulation.

Refined table salt

Refined table salt contains little or no minerals, and its concentrated sodium content can make it difficult for the gut to process fat. It also includes various harmful chemicals to make up for its lack of nutrients, such as fluoride, potassium iodide and aluminum derivatives. Even small amounts of refined table salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure and digestive issues like water retention and stomach irritation.

Granola bars

Granola bars are often touted as health foods. But these processed bars contain a deadly combination of refined sugar, HFCS, artificial flavors and preservatives. These harmful ingredients can overload the metabolism and heighten the risk of chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Certain foods can cause far more metabolic damage than others, which can lead to chronic conditions over time. Follow a balanced diet and maintain an active lifestyle so you can stay healthy.

Sources:

EatThis.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

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