United Kingdom: A new study showed that a vegan diet had lower insulin, decreased weight, and reduced levels of protein associated with heart disease and stroke.
22 pairs of healthy identical twins were recruited for the study, and the twins were split into two groups to account for variations in lifestyle, upbringing, and genetics.
Healthy diets that included fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds were given to both groups. The only difference was that one of each set of twins also ate what’s considered a healthy amount of meat, while the other’s diet was strictly vegetarian.
“Based on these results and thinking about longevity, most of us would benefit from going to a more plant-based diet,” Mr. Christopher Gardner, a Stanford University nutritional scientist, remarked.
During the first four weeks of the trial, each group received meals that were specially prepared and delivered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They were also given strict guidelines regarding the snacks that they could have. These included avoiding processed foods and maintaining a balanced variety of food groups.
The participants in the second part of the experiment were required to stick to the diet for an additional four weeks by grocery shopping and cooking for themselves.
The twins on the plant-based diet saw the biggest improvements in their cardiovascular health, though both groups saw improvements.
Making the switch to a plant-based diet too soon can be dangerous because it can make it more difficult to get some important nutrients, like vitamin B12. Individuals who completely go vegan are frequently advised to take supplements in order to mitigate this effect.
“A vegan diet can confer additional benefits such as increased gut bacteria and the reduction of telomere loss, which slows aging in the body. what’s more important than going strictly vegan is including more plant-based foods into your diet,” Mr. Gardner observed.
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