When you eat food, your body cannot use it directly as a source of nourishment. Food must be converted into smaller molecules of nutrients. Digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller particles that can be used by the body.

1. Food and Your Metabolism: How Does Your Body Respond to Foods?
When you eat food, your body cannot use it directly as a source of nourishment.
Food must be converted into smaller molecules of nutrients. Digestion is the
process of breaking down food into smaller particles that can be used by the
body.
Digestion begins in the mouth when you chew and swallow food, and is
completed in the small intestine. Swallowed food is pushed down the esophagus
into the stomach. The stomach stores the swallowed food and mixes it with
digestive juices. Finally, the stomach empties the contents into the small intestine.
Foods rich in carbohydrates spend less time in the stomach, whereas foods rich in
protein stay a little longer.
Metabolism is the amount of energy or calories burned to maintain vital functions.
The body gets the required energy from food through metabolism. The real
answer is not to speed up your metabolism with food because this will accelerate
your aging, but to slow your metabolism down and keep your weight down with a
plant based diet. Some foods that fall into this category are as follows:
 Baked Potatoes – Baked potatoes are rich in magnesium, potassium, and
zinc. They provide needed nutrients and boost metabolism.
 Asparagus – A zero calorie food, asparagus uses calories from the body for
digestion. Asparagus is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help produce
an efficient metabolism.
 Kiwi fruit – Kiwi provides abundant vitamin E, iron, potassium, and copper
that boost metabolism and the immune system.

2.  Mangoes – They are rich sources of phosphorous, vitamins C and B12, and
have lots of fiber and protein. Mangoes provide vitamins and minerals that
are needed for metabolism.
 Fish – A great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, fish boosts metabolism.
Omega 3 fatty acids are also good for brain function and the nervous
system.
 Melons – They are high in water and antioxidants, and contain many
vitamins needed for metabolism. Melons have potassium, which helps in
the cellular water balance.
 Nuts – Nuts have healthy proteins with abundant nutritional values that
increase the metabolism. They fill you up faster and keep you feeling full for
a long time, so you eat less.
Another important factor in improving digestion is to avoid taking liquids during
meals or soon after meals. Liquids will dilute the digestive juices and slow down
digestion. Food normally digests better at room temperature, and drinking cold
water will slow down the digestion and convert the food into fats. Avoid cold
water after meals for optimal digestion.
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Dr. Fred Bisci is an organic and raw food nutritionist with over 40 years of
experience helping people improve longevity and reduce the risk of diet related
illnesses. He has assisted over 35,000 people to improve health by focusing not
only on what goes into the body, but what is left out. For more information on
how a lifestyle rich in vitamins, minerals and water-plump fresh produce can help
you feel better and live longer, visit: www.anydoubtleaveitout.com