Copyright (c) 2008 Jason Szova

Do you want to speed up your metabolism and lose some body fat? Here are 14 foods that you can eat that will help you do just that.

Of course, you will always lose more weight if you follow a balanced nutrition plan and regular work out routine. These foods that speed metabolism, burn excess fat, and turn it into energy that we can all use.

14 Foods that Speed Metabolism:

1. Coffee:

Coffee beans have been around for thousands of years. Before coffee became a popular drink, sheepherders noticed when their sheep ate the beans the animals became more productive.

Ground coffee has been used as beverage for over seven hundred years. The caffeine in coffee causes our metabolism to speed up.

2. Water: Water is essential to almost every metabolic process in your body. Inadequate amounts of water leads to your body's metabolism not performing at its maximum.

Filling up with water can suppress hunger. Although you would think this would cause water weight gain- it is actually the opposite. The more water you drink, the less you retain.

3. Rolled Oats:

Rolled oats are usually sold as oatmeal, and the main ingredient in granola and muesli.

Eating complex carbohydrates and fiber, found in rolled oats products, keep insulin levels low. Insulin sends messages to the body that it should store fat.

Keeping insulin levels low allows your metabolism to burn excess fat.

4. Whey Protein:

Whey protein is a pure, natural, high quality protein from cow's milk. It is a rich source of the essential amino acids needed on a daily basis by the body.

In its purest form, it contains little or no fat, lactose, or cholesterol. Whey protein provides a healthy benefit in weight management.

5. Almonds: Almonds are the perfect snack. Nuts are high in metabolism-boosting protein and healthy fats.

6. Green Tea:

Green tea helps your body use more fat for energy. Drinking the tea provides weight loss benefits, along with anti-cancer and heart disease prevention.

Green tea leaves are packed with the chemical EGCG. New information suggests that catechin, the active ingredient in green tea, speeds up metabolism.

Research suggests that catechins improve thermogeneis, the body's production of energy from the digestive process.

7. Turkey: Turkey is a low fat, high protein food that can be readily used by your body to create more muscle.

Protein burns more calories than carbohydrates.

8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils.

The oil is low in calories and polysaturated fat, but very high in monounsaturated fat, which benefits your body.

Extra virgin olive oil is a step above "virgin olive oil." Created without the use of any chemicals, the acidity of extra virgin oil is very low, and contains no cholesterol.

9. Canola Oil: The use of healthy cooking oils helps you lose weight, and fight the aging process. Canola oil contains monounsaturated fat, which is called the "healthy heart fat."

Canola oil is low in saturated fat, considered "bad" fat, and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, a key component of heart health.

10. Whole grains:

Complex carbs such as whole grains, and whole grain cereal have a metabolism boosting effect.

Fiber slows down the digestive process, which speeds your metabolism.

11. Berries:

Berries contain antioxidants that speed up metabolism, burn off fat, and provide energy. Raspberries speed up metabolism by tripling the normal level in your body. The brindleberry is known as an appetite suppressant.

13. Cayenne Pepper:

Capsaicin is a chemical found in cayenne peppers that causes the human body to release stress hormones and boost metabolism.

This action stimulates the body to produce more adrenaline. That causes your metabolism to work overtime and aids in burning calories.

14. Vegetables: 'Good' carbohydrates are found in vegetables. Choose vegetables such as broccoli, which is loaded with fiber. Foods high in fiber content speed metabolism.

All of the above 14 foods that speed metabolism are known for their ability to break up stored body fat. A diet including these foods will increase your energy level to help you lose weight.