Vegetarian Diets Increase Metabolism

Vegetarian diets are associated with higher metabolic rates, according to a study published in Nutrients. Researchers monitored the diets and metabolic rates for 24 vegetarian and 26 nonvegetarian participants. Biochemical analyses also monitored inflammatory markers associated with diet. Vegetarians lowered their cholesterol levels, had higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and had higher metabolic rates, compared with nonvegetarians. This study complements other research studies that suggest that nutrition plays a larger role than exercise in maintaining healthful metabolic rates.