Content
The benefits of a vegan diet have been scientifically proven, but there is one caveat
31.07.2024 09:25
Vegetarianism and veganism are not considered healthy by every expert, but following a vegan diet for a short period of time is beneficial.
Experts have concluded that following this diet for eight weeks reduces biological age.
The results of the study were published in the scientific journal BMC Medicine.
Research by scientists
For their work, the scientists recruited 21 pairs of adult twins (identical).
77% of the participants were women. The average age was 40 years.
One of the twins followed a vegan diet, the other ate omnivorously.
For four weeks, the participants ate food prepared for them, and from the fifth to the eighth, they cooked their own food, as they were taught by health educators.
Research Results
The effect of diet on DNA methylation levels was studied using blood samples taken at weeks four and eight.
The biological age of the participants was then determined, as well as the condition of their organs.
As a result, vegans were found to have a decrease in biological age estimates. The age of the heart, liver, metabolic and other systems also decreased.
At the same time, vegans lost 2 kg more in 8 weeks than their omnivorous twin relatives.
The scientists intend to study the relationship between diet, weight and the aging process. They also plan to study the long-term impact of a vegan diet.
