After eating like this for 8 weeks...

Physical age appears younger and weight has also decreased

 

A study has shown that changing to a vegetarian diet for just 8 weeks can slow biological aging.

 

This study, conducted by researchers from Stanford University in the United States and TruDiagnostic, a biological aging diagnostic company, involved 21 pairs of identical twins. One twin in each pair followed a vegetarian diet, while the other followed a regular diet. By comparing them, the study aimed to control for genetic factors and isolate the impact of diet on biological aging.

 

As the study concluded, an estimate of biological age based on DNA methylation levels was observed, and it was found that vegetarian participants had a significantly reduced biological age. DNA methylation is one of the chemical modifications that regulate gene expression, and increased levels of DNA methylation have been associated with aging.

Additionally, the vegetarian group was observed to have improved estimated biological ages across multiple organ systems, including the heart, liver, and metabolic system. These changes were not observed in the general diet group that consumed meat, eggs, and dairy products.

 

The vegetarian group lost an average of 2kg more than the general diet group. This may not be due to the diet itself, but rather because they consumed 200 calories less per day during the first four weeks. Experts pointed out that the fact they lost more weight could have influenced the biological age difference between the two groups.

 

This study was conducted over a short period and involved a small sample size, but it demonstrates that a short-term vegetarian diet can have a measurable impact on biological aging. However, the researchers stated that it is unclear how much of the differences observed between the two groups are attributable to dietary differences, and additional studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of vegetarianism and to clarify the relationship between diet, weight, and aging.

 

Meanwhile, people who follow a vegetarian diet should pay attention to whether they are getting adequate nutrients. If they plan to adopt a fully vegetarian diet, it is important to consult with a professional before changing their meal plan.

 

The results of this study were published in the international medical journal "BMC Medicine" under the title "Unveiling the epigenetic impact of vegan vs. omnivorous diets on aging: insights from the Twins Nutrition Study (TwiNS)."

 

Jihaemi Reporter (pcraemi@kormedi.com)