A groundbreaking new study reveals that adopting a vegan diet for just eight weeks can significantly reduce biological age and reverse the ageing process. Researchers conducted a randomised controlled trial involving 21 pairs of identical twins to investigate the molecular effects of a short-term vegan diet.
Can A Short-Term Vegan Diet Reduce Biological Age?
One twin from each pair followed a strict vegan diet for eight weeks, while the other continued their usual omnivorous diet, including meat, eggs, and dairy. The researchers measured biological age using DNA methylation, a chemical modification of DNA associated with ageing.
The results are astonishing. Participants on the vegan diet experienced a noticeable decrease in their biological age, as measured by epigenetic ageing clocks. This suggests that their bodies were ageing at a slower rate than those who continued eating meat.
Beyond overall biological age, the vegan group also showed improvements in the age of specific organs and systems. Their heart, liver, hormone, inflammatory, and metabolic systems all appeared younger. These findings indicate a profound impact of diet on cellular health.
Dietary Interventions
Weight loss played a role in the study’s outcomes. The vegan group lost an average of two kilogrammes more than their twin counterparts. However, the researchers emphasise that the relationship between weight loss, dietary composition, and ageing requires further investigation. It’s important to note that while these results are promising, the study involved a relatively small sample size. Larger-scale studies are necessary to confirm these findings and to fully understand the mechanisms behind the observed effects.
The researchers caution against drawing definitive conclusions at this stage. However, the study provides compelling evidence that dietary changes can have a remarkable impact on the ageing process. This research opens up new possibilities for developing dietary interventions to promote longevity and overall health.
The study’s findings have far-reaching implications for public health. They suggest that adopting a plant-based diet could be a powerful tool for combating age-related diseases and improving quality of life. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dietary patterns for different individuals and populations.
Also Read: Paris Olympics Turns Vegan To Reduce Carbon Footprint & Reduce Animal Protein Consumption
In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence that a short-term vegan diet can have a significant impact on biological age. While more research is needed, these findings offer a promising avenue for developing dietary interventions to improve human health and longevity.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)
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