Recent research indicates that just two months of following a vegan diet can potentially rewind our biological age.
Our age is commonly measured in two ways: our chronological age, which signifies how many years we’ve lived, and our biological age, which reflects the health and activity of our cells and can be altered.
While we can’t alter our chronological age unless time machines become real, our biological age is flexible and can be influenced by various factors such as exercise, stress, and diet.
One method that shows promise in tracking biological aging involves monitoring DNA methylation, which are molecular tags on our DNA surface that respond to environmental cues like diet, stress, and more.
In a recent study from Stanford University and TruDiagnostic, 21 sets of adult identical twins took part in an experiment where one from each pair followed a vegan diet for eight weeks while the other maintained a healthy omnivorous diet. The twins who switched to a plant-based diet experienced a significant reduction in biological age markers across various systems in their bodies.
The study authors observed that the twins on the vegan diet showed decreased epigenetic age acceleration, suggesting anti-aging benefits of plant-based diets.
While the specifics of why the vegan diet had such positive effects on biological aging remain uncertain, the researchers suggest focusing on whole foods, dietary variety, and personalized nutrition could promote healthier aging.
It’s essential to note that the study’s small sample size and weight loss variations between diets could have influenced the results. Also, some experts caution that while vegan diets can have health benefits, they may lead to potential micronutrient deficiencies over time.
Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of vegan diets on aging and overall health outcomes, emphasizing the need for proper nutrient supplementation for individuals following vegan diets.