New Study Uses Identical Twins to Show Benefits of Vegan Diet

A new study shows the amazing benefits of going vegan. Twenty-two pairs of identical twins participated in the study. The results were shocking. Published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open, the study’s results highlighted the amazing health benefits of adopting a vegan diet. By using identical twins, the researchers were able to control for many genetic and environmental variables. 

For the study, one identical twin ate a vegan diet while the other consumed an omnivorous diet. Each twin followed their prescribed diet for eight weeks. Both the vegan twins and omnivorous twins followed what is generally considered a healthy diet. For the vegan twins, this meant consuming lots of whole foods. 

The omnivorous twins also consumed a healthy diet that consisted of whole grains, vegetables, and meats. Researchers tried to limit refined grains and sugars for the omnivorous participants. Meals were provided to both the vegan and omnivorous twins during the first four weeks of the experiment. For the last four weeks, the participants prepared their own food. However, they were restricted to diet-appropriate foods, and emphasis was placed on following a healthy diet. 

Data was collected from the twins at the beginning of the study, at week four of the study, and at the end of the study. Researchers wanted to see if following a vegan diet could reduce health risk factors. 

At the end of the study, data showed that the twins who had consumed a vegan diet for eight weeks had lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, improved blood sugar levels, and higher rates of weight loss. Scientists explain that this is likely due to the increased levels of fiber and decreased amounts of saturated fat consumed by the vegan twins. All of these benefits help to lower cardiovascular health risks and improve heart health.

Vegan diets have been shown to have multiple health benefits. However, it is important for those adopting a plant-based diet to remember to prioritize consuming healthy, whole foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

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