Healthy Living

Eat Your Way Warm This Winter: How Protein Can Help Boost Body Heat

Research shows eating more protein can help keep you warm during the colder months. It's all because of a process called thermogenesis, in which your body burns extra energy to digest food, producing heat. We'll explain the science and important pitfalls of this discovery.

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During the colder months of winter, many people look for creative ways to stay as cozy as possible. One surprising suggestion: eating more protein. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation shows that protein can, in some cases, help to make you a little warmer.

Experts say it's because your body has to work harder to digest protein than other nutrients, like fats. This process, known as thermogenesis, generates extra heat in the body, making you feel slightly warmer after a protein-rich meal.

Diving Deeper

The science behind this is simple. Protein has a higher "thermic effect" than carbs or fats, meaning the body burns more calories to break it down. Studies suggest that up to 35% of the calories in protein are burned just during digestion. This added energy expenditure raises your metabolic rate and contributes to heat production, which could make a difference on chilly days.

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(MORE: Why Are We Hungrier When It’s Cold Outside?)

The Importance Of Protein

Protein is vital for many body functions, including building and repairing tissues, producing hormones, and supporting immune health. Foods like meat, eggs, beans, and nuts are all rich in protein. They also help maintain muscle mass, which burns more energy than fat, further supporting thermogenesis.

However, it’s important to keep balance in mind. While protein can contribute to warmth, eating excessively high amounts can stress the liver and kidneys. Plus, focusing too much on protein can crowd out other nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fruits and vegetables. A balanced, varied diet is key.

(MORE: Winter’s Calorie Burning Secret)

So, while protein may help raise your body temperature slightly, it won’t turn you into a human heater during the brutal months of winter, and it's not likely to make you sweat during steamy summer months. Still, it’s a good idea to include protein in your meals for overall health and perhaps a little extra warmth on those colder days.

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