PEOPLE who are obese seem to have lower core body temperatures during the day, a new study in the journal Chronobiology International co-authored by Pietro Cortelli suggests. This lower body temperature makes it harder for them to burn off calories efficiently.

    While obese and healthy-weight people have similar body temperatures at night, the obese subjects had significantly lower core body temperatures during the day than their leaner peers, the study found.

    Fortunately, some foods can actually boost core temperature — and help burn fat.

    Coffee

    Caffeine increases metabolism by stimulating the release of fatty acids from the body’s fat tissues, which in turn can increase body temperature. Bonus: Add low-fat, vitamin D-fortified milk to your morning cup. The nutrients increase diet-induced thermogenesis (the process of converting calories to heat), a 2011 Clinical Nutrition study found.

    Cumin

    Despite popular belief, spicy foods — like hot peppers — won’t help keep you warm. Since they make you perspire, they actually cool you down. Cumin, on the other hand, generates less intense heat that will warm you up without drenching you in sweat.

    Whole grains

    Because of the fiber, whole grains and other complex carbs like potatoes and lentils require more energy to break down than simple carbs like cookies and white bread. This process not only keeps you fuller longer, but because the body is working so hard to digest your food, it may also increase body heat.

    Bananas

    This popular fruit is rich in B vitamins and magnesium, which helps the thyroid and adrenal glands regulate the body’s temperature. One large banana serves up about 10 percent of the day’s magnesium and a healthy dose of B vitamins. Add it to your breakfast cereal or top with two tablespoons of natural peanut butter for an afternoon snack.

    Ginger

    If you typically leave the ginger behind on your sushi plate, you could be missing out on some body-warming benefits. The spice enhances thermogenesis, a 2012 study published in the journal Metabolism found. Scientists also found that it reduced feelings of hunger, suggesting that it may play a potential role in weight management. Ginger can be added to meat dishes, soups and smoothies with equally delicious results.

    (SD-Agencies)