Study Suggests Vegan Diet Can Improve Heart Health In 8 Weeks

The world has been raving about veganism for a few decades now, and another study has revealed that adopting a vegan diet can have a beneficial impact on key health markers. The research, conducted by Stanford University, shows that people who embrace a plant-based diet exhibit diminished insulin levels, weight reduction, and a decline in a protein linked to heart disease and stroke.

These findings confirm the general belief that vegan diets, which exclude all forms of animal-derived food including dairy and poultry, are not just beneficial for the environment, but for you as well.

The study, which was conducted for two months, took into account the diets of 22 pairs of identical twins. The twins were divided into two groups - both were given a healthy diet including all basic necessities. The only differentiating factor was that one group included a moderate amount of meat in their diet while the other was given a strictly plant-based meal.

The results, as published in JAMA Network Open,show that the twins in the vegan group showed more improvements in cholesterol and insulin levels and also saw substantial weight loss compared to their counterparts. The vegan group showed significant decreases in LDL-C (14 mg/dL), fasting insulin (3.0 μIU/mL), and weight (2.0 kg). Additionally, although not statistically significant, vegans displayed a greater reduction in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), vitamin B12, triglycerides, TMAO, and glucose levels compared to those on a meat-based diet.

In an interview with CNN, lead author Christopher Gardner said, “This suggests that anyone who chooses a vegan diet can improve their long-term health in two months, with the most change seen in the first month.” The disadvantage of the diet, as he told CNN, was the fact that the twins on the vegan diet were less satisfied because of the restrictive meals.

A vegan diet leads to lower risk of diseases because it allows you to take in the phytochemicals found in plant-based foods. Vegan foods are rich in antioxidant carotenoids, and have a higher ratio of omega-3 fatty acids, and lower levels of saturated fatty acids.

Vegan diet is also linked to lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol management. Hence vegans often have better cardiovascular health. Eating plant-based foods also lead to a reduced risk of cancer, as opposed to consuming smoked or processed red meats.

Vegan foods are also lower in calories and hence allow you to lose weight faster. They have less saturated fat which leads to a lower BMI in vegans compared to non-vegetarians.

People who stick to a vegan diet also show lower blood sugar levels in comparison to non-vegans, significantly reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 78%.

Studies have shown that dairy consumption leads to more acne. Vegans, who abstain from dairy and instead consumed higher quantities of fruits and vegetables had better skin due to more antioxidants and vitamins.

A diet rich in healthy vegan foods proves beneficial in alleviating arthritis symptoms. Studies suggest that consuming more animal-derived products can cause more inflammation and pain.