July 2, 2023 by GEORGIA DODD
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Losing weight may feel like a near-impossible task, and it’s true that in order to achieve your goals you will likely need to make some major lifestyle changes that can reduce your calorie intake in a sustainable way if you want long-term, sustainable results. Sometimes the factor that may be standing in the way of weight loss is hidden within your day-to-day habits, so it’s important to be aware of your routine and particularly how you’re cooking your food every day when as you work towards weight loss.
To learn more about the unexpected cooking mistake that is ruining your metabolism, we spoke with Norah Clark, a nutritionist and an experienced chef in hotels and restaurants worldwide. She says that, surprisingly, blacked or burnt food can potentially slow down your metabolism and lead to weight gain. This is because it creates compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which have been linked to inflammation that can slow down your metabolism. Find out more bout this unexpected cooking mistake and more insight into your metabolism!
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Blackened Or Burnt Foods Can Slow Your Metabolism
Before we get into this surprising cooking mistake, let’s first define metabolism. “Metabolism refers to the series of chemical processes that occur in our bodies to convert food and drink into energy,” Clark explains. It concerns “the breakdown of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats,” to fuel and maintain bodily functions.
“Metabolism can be influenced by several factors, including age, gender, genetics, muscle mass, physical activity level, and certain medical conditions,” she adds. Even though we cannot change our age or genetics, there are some everyday strategies we can do to help boost our metabolism.
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Clark emphasizes, “Regular physical activity and strength training, along with a well-balanced diet and adequate sleep, can positively impact metabolic rate.” And, when it comes to a well-balanced diet, it’s important to avoid burning or charring your food while cooking.
“One surprising cooking mistake that can potentially slow down metabolism is excessive charring or burning of food during cooking. When food is burned or charred, it creates compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs),” Clark says. AGEs have been linked to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can both damage metabolic functions. Although blackened chicken is often marketed as a healthier option compared to fried chicken, if you consume it every day, it can actually lead to a slower metabolic rate.
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“AGEs have been shown to interfere with normal metabolic processes and promote insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain and reduced metabolic efficiency,” she continues. “Additionally, the harmful compounds formed through charring can increase the production of free radicals in the body, potentially damaging cells and negatively impacting overall metabolic health.” Yikes!
So, it’s probably best to avoid burning and charring your food. Instead, Clark says that it’s crucial to adopt healthy cooking methods. “Opt for cooking techniques such as steaming, boiling, grilling, or baking at lower temperatures to minimize the formation of AGEs. These methods help retain the nutritional value of food while preserving flavors,” she notes. Plus, Clark says that incorporating more nutrient-dense ingredients into your recipes (like lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains) can support metabolic health.
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The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, even though it may seem surprising, burning or blackening your foods can actually slow down your metabolism. This is because burning creates compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which can slow your metabolic rate and lead to weight gain.
Instead, Clark recommends steaming, boiling, grilling, or baking at lower temperatures to minimize the formation of AGEs. And, if you really want to boost your metabolism, remember to incorporate ingredients like lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains into your recipes. Your body will thank you for it!
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