“Anti-aging” thanks to a vegan diet for 8 weeks

A vegan diet, at least in the short term, may help people reduce their biological age, keeping their bodies younger and healthier.

Veganism has been shown to have many health benefits. Photo: MEDICALNEWSTODAY

Researchers at the Stanford Prevention Research Center and TruDiagnostic (USA) conducted an experiment to determine how a vegan diet affects human biological age and health compared to an omnivorous diet. The subjects of the experiment were 21 pairs of healthy identical twins. After a baseline assessment, one twin was randomly assigned to follow a vegan diet and the other to follow an omnivorous diet for eight weeks. Veganism reduces biological age Over eight weeks, participants who followed a vegan diet showed a significant reduction in their biological age, while those who followed an omnivorous diet did not. Participants who followed a vegan diet demonstrated a reduction in biological age in five organ systems, including: heart, hormones, liver, immune system, and metabolism. The researchers also observed signs of beneficial changes, such as reduced systemic inflammation in the vegan group. Positive changes in the body that the 8-week vegan diet can include: Reduced saturated fat intake and reduced calorie density. Higher fiber, antioxidant intake, and increased nutrient density. Better omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio. Reduced BMI, visceral fat, and total body fat. Should you adopt a vegan diet? Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS, physician- scientist and assistant professor at the RUSH Institute for Healthy Aging, RUSH University (USA), shares the strengths and potential limitations of this diet. He said: "Although the use of identical twins is an effective way to test for differences due to genetic variation, an 8-week period may not be enough to observe long-term effects, and with only 21 pairs, the results may not be generalizable." While the results of this study are consistent with previous studies showing the potential anti-aging benefits of a plant-based diet, further clinical studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of a vegetarian diet. Therefore, “it is premature to recommend a vegan diet over an omnivorous diet for longevity,” Holland said, advocating for a more balanced diet. The Mediterranean diet, for example, has been shown to reduce biological age in humans.

Source: https://laodong.vn/suc-khoe/chong-gia-nho-che-do-an-thuan-chay-trong-8-tuan-1376220.ldo