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Going vegan for just a month slowed signs of aging in the body, study finds
The Independent • • health
Key Points:
- A new small study from researchers in California and Germany found that adopting a vegan diet for just one month may slow biological aging and reduce inflammation by altering DNA methylation patterns and immune cell levels.
- The study showed that individuals on a vegan diet had lower amounts of neutrophils, which drive inflammation, and higher levels of CD4 T cells, which help regulate immune response, suggesting improved immune system function.
- Biological age assessed through epigenetic clocks indicated that a vegan diet could decelerate aging at the molecular level, though larger clinical studies are needed to confirm long-term health benefits.
- Previous research supports plant-based diets for healthier aging and reduced disease risk, while diets high in red and processed meats are consistently linked to increased inflammation and heart disease.
- Experts emphasize a balanced diet with a variety of whole, nutritious foods, noting that some animal proteins like poultry, fish, and lean meats can be part of a healthy diet.
