Can a vegan diet slow biological aging?

A study from the University of California San Diego and the University of Freiburg in Germany found that following a vegan diet for just one month may help slow biological aging. The research involved 48 healthy adults who were assigned to either a vegan diet or a meat-rich diet for four weeks, with both diets providing a similar number of calories. The results showed that the vegan diet led to lower inflammation, alterations in gene regulation related to cancer and cell growth, and slower biological aging according to epigenetic clocks.

The study suggests that dietary choices can have a significant impact on biological aging, with fibre, antioxidants, and other plant compounds in a vegan diet potentially supporting the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthier aging. The researchers emphasize that genes are not necessarily destiny and that everyday choices, such as what we eat, can influence our biology in a dynamic and responsive way. This small study highlights the potential benefits of a vegan diet for slowing biological aging and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.