Can going vegan make you a better runner? New study reveals surprising advantages

A new study suggests that following a plant-based diet may give runners unexpected advantages when it comes to endurance performance. Research found that vegans tend to have higher carbohydrate intake and fiber consumption, which can lead to increased muscle glycogen stores and improved gut health. Additionally, plant-forward diets may be lower in saturated fat and higher in antioxidants, which can support cardiovascular health, leading to better blood vessel function and more efficient oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise.

While the benefits of a vegan diet for runners seem clear in terms of endurance, the advantages for strength training are less definitive. Challenges such as lower creatine stores, fewer leucine-dense proteins, and lower vitamin D intakes may impact muscle protein synthesis for those pursuing strength goals. However, for runners focused on power-to-weight ratio, the potential benefits of a vegan diet, such as a lighter frame and cleaner arteries, may outweigh the drawbacks when it comes to strength training performance.