Can a vegan diet slow biological ageing?

Research suggests that switching to a vegan diet may help slow biological ageing in as little as one month. A study conducted by researchers from the University of California San Diego and the University of Freiburg in Germany found that following a vegan diet for four weeks was linked to lower inflammation and slower biological ageing compared to a meat-rich diet. The study involved 48 healthy adults who were randomly assigned to either a vegan or meat-rich diet, with both diets providing a similar number of calories.

The researchers discovered that the vegan diet led to lower inflammation by reducing the number of immune cells that drive inflammation, while increasing levels of immune cells that regulate responses. Additionally, the vegan diet altered gene regulation related to cancer, cell growth, fat metabolism, blood sugar control, DNA repair, and cellular stress responses. The findings suggest that what we eat can have a significant impact on the biology of ageing, with fibre, antioxidants, and other plant compounds in a vegan diet potentially supporting gut health, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthier ageing.