Stanford Medicine: Vegan Diet Improves Cardiovascular Health in 8 Weeks

A study conducted by a Stanford Medicine research group has provided new evidence that a vegan or plant-based diet can have a significant impact on heart health in just 8 weeks. The study was conducted on 22 pairs of identical twins and twins without cardiovascular disease. In each couple, one person ate an all-plant diet and the other ate a diet that included eggs, dairy and various types of meat. Both diets contained plenty of vegetables, legumes, fruits and whole grains, and limited refined sugars and starches.

In all studies, variables must be taken into account to make the result more accurate. In this case, they were able to mitigate genetic influences and minimize other factors because the participants grew up in the same homes and led comparable lifestyles.

For the first four weeks they were given three meals a day. For the remaining four weeks, participants prepared their own food. “Our study used a diet available to everyone because 21 of 22 people following a vegan diet followed the diet,” Christopher Gardner, who is also a professor at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, said in a statement. “This suggests that anyone who chooses a vegan diet can improve their long-term health within two months, with the greatest changes seen in the first month.”

Those who ate an all-plant diet had significantly lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, insulin, and body weight compared to participants who did not. percentage reduction in fasting insulin levels and lost an average of another 4 pounds. These indicators are closely associated with improved cardiovascular health.

We know that it is very unlikely that all people will decide to exclude animals from their plates and take a stance that rejects animal exploitation, but there is more and more research that suggests eating a more plant-based diet to improve our health, the quality of our diet. life, take care of natural resources and the environment. Whatever your motivation, give it a try. Researcher Garner even emphasized the importance of including at least more plant foods in our diet, based on his own experience as he has been doing so for the past 40 years.

A vegan lifestyle is more than just a choice, it is a powerful commitment to health, respect and sustainability. By choosing plants over animal products, you not only make a difference to your well-being, but you also make a positive contribution to improving the health of the planet and the lives of countless animals. Your decisions and choices become catalysts for positive change that help build a more just and respectful world.

Katya Rodriguez

A biology graduate, her work focuses on seeking social justice and the intersectionality between different struggles. In recent years, he has dedicated his efforts to animal rights advocacy and currently works as Mexico Campaign Manager for the international organization Vegan Outreach.