A study comparing twins, one on a vegan diet and the other consuming meat, over an eight-week period, showed notable health benefits for the vegan twin.
This twin saw a decrease in harmful LDL cholesterol, better control of blood sugar levels, and a greater reduction in weight.
Christopher Gardner, the study’s lead researcher from Stanford Prevention Research Center, noted substantial health improvements in the vegan twin: LDL cholesterol decreased by 10% to 15%, insulin levels dropped by 25%, and body weight fell by 3%.
A vegan diet, which completely avoids animal products including dairy and eggs, is typically richer in essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Gardner, who also heads the Nutrition Studies Research Group at Stanford, points out the role of vegan diets in minimizing heart disease risks.
Alice Lichtenstein of Tufts University’s Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, not involved in the study, affirms that these findings are consistent with current guidelines for maintaining heart health.
This study’s unique approach of using identical twins with similar lifestyles adds a compelling dimension to the findings.
