Which Diet Is Better for Health?

Story by Amy Collins- SHW Reasearch Team

The new research, published Nov. 30 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), tracked 22 identical twins for eight weeks as one twin from each pair ate a vegan diet while the other one ate omnivore diet. Both groups’ diets were designed to be healthy, with lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and limited added sugars, refined grains and highly processed foods.

A rent study compared the health effects of a vegan diet and an omnivore diet among identical twins. The results showed that the vegan diet had some advantages, but also some drawbacks, for cardiometabolic health. Here are the main findings and implications of the study:

• Vegan diet lowers cholesterol, insulin, and weight. The study found that the twins who followed a vegan diet for eight weeks had lower levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol, fasting insulin, and body weight than the twins who ate an omnivorous diet. These are all risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, so reducing them could potentially improve health outcomes.
• Vegan diet increases stroke risk. The study also found that the twins who followed a vegan diet had a higher risk of stroke, especially hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain. The reason for this is not clear, but it could be related to lower levels of vitamin B12, which is only found in animal products and is essential for nerve function and blood clotting.
• Vegan diet is not for everyone. The study authors and other experts cautioned that the vegan diet is not necessarily better than the omnivore diet for everyone, and that it requires careful planning and supplementation to avoid nutrient deficiencies. They also noted that the quality of the diet matters more than the type, and that eating more plant-based foods without eliminating animal products can also have health benefits.

In conclusion, the study suggests that a vegan diet can have some positive effects on cardiometabolic health, but it also comes with some challenges and risks. Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor or a dietitian before making any major dietary changes, and to choose a balanced and varied diet that suits your personal and cultural preferences.