A study found that twins on an eight-week vegan diet showed more health benefits than their meat-eating siblings.
The vegan participants experienced lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, better blood sugar control, and greater weight loss.
Lead researcher Christopher Gardner from Stanford Prevention Research Center noted significant health changes in the vegan group: LDL cholesterol dropped by 10% to 15%, insulin levels fell by 25%, and body weight reduced by 3%.
A vegan diet, unlike vegetarian diets, eliminates all animal products, including dairy and eggs. It tends to be higher in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Gardner, who also heads Stanford’s Nutrition Studies Research Group, emphasizes the vegan diet’s role in reducing heart disease risk.
Alice Lichtenstein of Tufts University’s Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, not part of the study, confirms these findings align with current dietary guidelines for heart health.
This unique study utilized identical twins with similar lifestyles, adding a fascinating layer to the research.
