REALITY. Although Farrell hesitates before answering. “There is an interesting idea about that. The truth is that very spicy food increases the production of heat in our body, which leads to more calories being burned, but it is an effect that does not last forever. Although it may be a good idea to add a tablespoon of green chilli or ginger to food, see what happens. “
Eating small meals is better.
MYTH. Eating several small meals a day is better than three normal ones; surely you have heard it occasionally. “The new research seems to point to no,” says Farrell. “When people hear that they can eat several meals a day in the end, it does not make them any more reduced. Don’t just think about calories, rather about how much you are eating and what you are eating.”
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When we get old …
REALITY. The metabolism begins to slow down. This, unfortunately, is true. “In women, it is more noticeable after the age of 50, with menopause. Hormonal changes cause weight to increase around the abdomen, hips and thighs.”
Photo: Love handles are in the DNA (Photo: iStock)
Love handles are inherited: the role of genetics in metabolism
The confidential
“Anyway,” he points out, “it can be controlled. Let’s not put our hands on our heads. As I said before, lifestyle habits have a lot to say about them. When we reach 30, it does not mean that we hit a wall. and let’s start getting fat, don’t worry. “
Basal metabolism
Basal metabolism is the minimum amount of energy that a cell requires to survive and carry out essential functions, such as respiration.
This energy expenditure depends on several factors such as age, sex, height, amount of muscle energy, among others and is calculated in kilocalories/day.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations proposes to calculate the basal metabolic rate (BMR) as follows:
For ages 10 to 18 years:
Women: 7.4 x weight in kilograms + 428 x height in meters + 572
Men: 16.6 x weight in kilograms + 77 x height in meters + 572Basal metabolic rate can also be calculated using the Harris Benedict equations:
Male: 66.4730 + ((13.751 x mass (kg)) + (5.0033 x height (cm)) - ((6.75 x age (years))
Woman: 655.1 + ((9.463 x mass (kg)) + (1.8 x height (cm)) - ((4.6756 x age (years))The result of these equations will indicate what the daily energy expenditure is.
How the metabolism works
Metabolism is how carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other substances are transformed in the body. This transformation produces heat, carbon dioxide, water, and debris to produce energy to carry out essential chemical transformations for the body and develop the muscular activity.
Metabolic activity includes the absorption, transformation, and elimination of substances that allow cells to fulfill their energy or synthesis functions. This activity is composed of two phases.
Anabolism
It is a stage of the metabolic process in which ingested substances are transformed into new organic matter.
For example, protein synthesis in muscle tissue from amino acids.
Catabolism
It is a phase of the metabolic process in which energy is produced, and destructive chemical reactions are discarded.
For example, the breakdown of the glucose molecule that is transformed into energy and water.
The metabolic process is carried out thanks to the enzymes synthesized in the cells. While the thyroid glands and the liver act as regulators of the process. For this reason, a thyroid failure can lead to conditions such as hypo or hyperthyroidism, which often lead to metabolic problems (weight gain or loss).
While in the liver, glucose or sucrose is produced from carbohydrates, a fundamental substance for some organs that can only obtain energy from glucose and is the organ in which some proteins are synthesized.
Aerobic metabolism
Aerobic metabolism involves obtaining energy from the combustion of carbohydrates in the presence of oxygen. This type of metabolic process is also known as lung respiration or oxidative metabolism.
Anaerobic metabolism
Anaerobic metabolism is carried out from the combustion of carbohydrates in the absence of oxygen to obtain energy. Glucose and glycogen in carbohydrates are not entirely degraded, as they require oxygen to do so, which is why they are transformed into lactic acid in humans.
Both anabolism (synthesis) and catabolism (degradation) take place in both processes.
