- A study finds that an eight-week vegan diet reduces the biological age of key organs.
- Omnivorous diets showed no significant impact on biological age, but increased tryptophan levels.
- Researchers noted surprising results, with significant changes observed in just eight weeks.
A recent study from the Stanford Prevention Research Center and TruDiagnostic has revealed that an eight-week vegan diet can significantly reduce the biological age of several organs. This research aimed to compare the effects of a vegan diet with an omnivorous diet on the body’s biological markers.
Participants were divided into two groups: one consuming a typical omnivorous diet with meat, eggs, and dairy, and the other adhering strictly to a vegan diet. Those on the vegan diet showed a notable decrease in the biological age of their heart, liver, hormonal, inflammatory, and metabolic systems. In contrast, the omnivorous group experienced increased levels of tryptophan, which helps regulate mood by affecting serotonin levels.
The study’s lead researcher, Varun Dwaraka from TruDiagnostic, expressed surprise at the rapid changes observed, noting that significant effects were seen within just eight weeks, whereas previous studies usually required three to six months to show similar results.
Raghav Sehgal from Yale University also highlighted the study’s findings, suggesting that vegan and similar diets may specifically target inflammation and metabolic aging pathways through epigenetic mechanisms. Despite uncertainties about the exact pathways, the study confirms clear benefits from a vegan diet on biological aging.