A recent study involving identical twins has revealed that a vegan diet can significantly improve cardiometabolic health within an eight-week period. The study, which was conducted by Stanford University, involved 44 participants, with one twin from each pair adopting a vegan diet and the other following an omnivorous diet. The findings showed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, fasting insulin levels, and body weight in the vegan group compared to the omnivorous group.
The study also highlighted potential nutritional deficiencies associated with a vegan diet, particularly vitamin B12. It was suggested that long-term vegans should consider taking a cyanocobalamin supplement to counteract this deficiency. The researchers also noted that a vegan diet can have additional benefits such as increased gut bacteria and reduced telomere loss, which slows aging.
However, the study had limitations, including a short duration and a generally healthy cohort. While the study wasn't designed to control calorie intake, the drop in LDL-C cholesterol in the vegan group could be attributed to weight loss. Despite these limitations, the senior author of the study emphasized the importance of including more plant-based foods in one's diet, even if not strictly vegan.
The study's use of identical twins helped control for genetic and lifestyle factors, providing more accurate results. However, it was noted that vegans had lower dietary satisfaction, which could potentially impact the long-term adherence to such a diet. Despite these potential drawbacks, the study suggests that veganism can be a healthy alternative for those seeking to improve their cardiometabolic health.