The health of 22 sets of twins was examined after they followed both vegan and meat diets. Here is an account of their health outcomes.

 

A recent study conducted at Stanford University has provided further evidence supporting the health benefits of a meat-free diet. The researchers examined the health of 22 pairs of identical twin adults over a period of two months. One twin followed a vegan diet, while the other twin followed an omnivorous diet that included both animal and plant products.

The study, which was published in the journal JAMA Network Open on November 30, focused on the cardiovascular health of the twins. Parameters such as cholesterol levels, sugar levels, insulin levels, and body weight were analyzed.

After eight weeks of adhering to their respective diets, the twin siblings who followed a vegan diet showed more significant weight loss, reduced levels of LDL cholesterol (commonly known as "bad" cholesterol), and lower insulin levels compared to their omnivorous counterparts.

The authors of the study concluded that a healthy plant-based diet provides a significant advantage in terms of cardiometabolic protection when compared to a healthy omnivorous diet.

These findings align with previous research that has consistently shown the superiority of plant-based diets in promoting cardiovascular health. In fact, a study conducted last year in Norway demonstrated that adopting a plant-based diet can potentially increase one's lifespan. Computer models were used to compare a typical Western diet, which is high in animal-based proteins, dairy, and sugar, with an ideal plant-based diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains while minimizing animal-based proteins.

According to the computer models, a 20-year-old individual who fully embraces a plant-based diet could potentially add 10 years to their life. Even an 80-year-old who adopts a plant-based diet could extend their life expectancy by three years. These findings were published in February 2022 in the journal PLOS Medicine.

What sets the Stanford study apart is its utilization of identical twins who share the same genetic makeup and environmental factors. This approach strengthens the validity of the study's findings, as it minimizes the influence of genetic and environmental variables on the results.