A recent study discovered that identical twins following a vegan diet for eight weeks exhibited lower “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, improved blood sugar levels, and greater weight loss compared to their siblings on a diet of meat and vegetables. Christopher Gardner, the lead author and a research professor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, highlighted a 10% to 15% drop in LDL cholesterol, a 25% drop in insulin, and a 3% drop in body weight within eight weeks through a vegan diet without animal products.
The study, using genetically identical twins, controlled genetic and environmental factors, showcasing the benefits of a high-fiber plant-based diet in cardiovascular disease risk reduction. The findings were published in the JAMA Network Open journal, involving 22 pairs of twins assigned to vegan and omnivore diets for eight weeks. The twin study design controlled various factors, although the generalizability of findings to the broader population may have limitations, according to experts.
During the initial four weeks, all meals were supplied to each twin, emphasizing the importance of a healthy vegan diet. Christopher Gardner, the study’s lead author, emphasized the distinction between a nutritious vegan diet and one comprising refined ultraprocessed grains often associated with less healthy options.
Vegan Group’s Experience:
The vegan group experienced notable benefits, including a remarkable 10% to 15% reduction in LDL cholesterol, a substantial 25% decrease in insulin levels, and a 3% reduction in body weight—all within the eight-week timeframe. These findings underscore the potential advantages of a plant-based diet in promoting cardiovascular health.
While the study design is lauded for its elegance in controlling genetic and environmental factors, experts acknowledge challenges in recruiting identical twins for dietary intervention studies. Dr. Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology, highlighted the rarity of this design in nutritional studies and cautioned that the findings from identical twins may not be universally applicable to the broader population.
Identical Twins Go On Vegan & Meat-Based Diet For 12 Weeks l This Is What They Found | ShowFit
Medical Outlook:
The study’s emphasis on providing insights into cardiovascular disease risk reduction aligns with current dietary guidance, as noted by Alice Lichtenstein, director and senior scientist at Tufts University’s Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory. The comparison between a diet rich in unsaturated fats, whole grains, fewer calories, and more fiber and vegetables with a lower cholesterol content and a typical omnivore diet further emphasizes the potential benefits of plant-centric dietary patterns.
In the realm of nutritional research, the study’s approach opens new avenues for exploring the impact of diet on health, particularly in cardiovascular disease prevention. While acknowledging the study’s limitations, including the exclusive use of genetically identical twins, the findings contribute valuable information to the ongoing dialogue on the role of plant-based diets in promoting overall well-being.
Also Read: 10 Best Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet
