In my last post, I talked about we take energy from the food we eat. How does the body utilize the calories in the food we eat and generate energy?

The energy in the food is transformed into heat energy by the process called Thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is a natural process by which the body generates heat or energy by increasing metabolic rate above normal.

There are 3 types of thermogenesis:

1) Worked induced thermogenesis – heat energy generated from activities or exercises. The muscle create heat during activities because muscle work better and more effectively when it is warm.

2) Thermo-regulatory thermogenesis – heat energy generated to regulate body temperature

3) Diet induced thermogenesis – heat produced after eating due to the energy required for digestion, nutrient transport. Digesting protein requires 30% of the energy compare 3-5% for digesting fat. That is the reason why it is important to eat a high protein diet for effective weight loss program.

Thermogenesis is related to the metabolic rate or metabolism of the body. The higher core temperature of the body (thermogenic effect) will lead to the higher the metabolic rate.  Higher metabolism will help fat burning for energy to support the energy requirement.

Higher thermogenesis will lead to the feeling of more energetic as more blood flows to the muscle, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the muscle and brain.

Find out what food and drink can increase thermogenesis and metabolic rate in my next post.

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