Thermogenesisis
the process by which the body
generates heat, or energy, by
increasing the metabolic rate
above normal. This rise in
metabolic rate is referred to as
the thermogenic effect,
thermogenic response, or
specific dynamic action (SDA).
Thermogenesis is activated by a
few different mechanisms,
including supplements (green
tea's egcg), nutrition and
exercise.
Among the nutritional
activators, the various
macronutrients have different
effects on the thermogenic
response. When you ingest food,
your metabolic rate increases
above the fasting level. In the
case of protein, energy to
process the protein, which is
then used for tissue growth and
repair. On the other hand,
carbohydrates and fat function
primarily as fuel and are used
more efficiently as such by the
body. Carbohydrates and fat
therefore have a much lower
thermogenic effect than protein.
