Tag: Protein thermic effect

According to nutrition experts, foods rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, like beans, require more energy to digest, which creates a noticeable thermic effect. This phenomenon leads to a slight, temporary increase in body heat as the body works to break down and process the consumed food.

According to scientific research, protein has a thermic effect of 20-30%, while the thermic effect of foods containing fat is much lower, between 0-5%. This dispels the common misconception that all foods burn calories equally and highlights why understanding the thermic effect of foods is crucial for metabolism and diet management.

Protein is consistently ranked as the highest thermogenic macronutrient, requiring 20–30% of its calories to be expended during digestion. Understanding which food item is the highest thermogenic can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to increase their metabolism and support weight loss goals through dietary choices.