Hugo and Ross Turner, known for their daring voyages, decided to try something new: nutritional exploration. 1 In 2020, they began comparing the effects of a vegan diet to an omnivore diet on two genetically identical individuals: themselves. Their motivation for this unique 12-week experiment, which ran from January to March, was sparked by the growing popularity and controversy surrounding vegan diets among athletes, as portrayed in documentaries such as “The Game Changers.”

The twins maintained a constant fitness training regimen to promote fairness and minimize bias. The regimen, created by Ross, a personal trainer, included five to six days of endurance training each week. Their meals were prepared by the Mindful Chef delivery service, ensuring that they ate nearly the same number of calories every day. Hugo adhered to a vegan diet, whilst Ross followed an omnivore diet.

Throughout the experiment, researchers from King’s College in London evaluated their fundamental health parameters such as weight, cholesterol levels, and muscle mass. This diet, which consists primarily of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, is low in saturated fats but high in heart-healthy fats and dietary fiber. Furthermore, these plant-based foods provide our bodies with necessary vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, all of which work together to improve our immune system against numerous ailments. 3

Several studies have found that vegan diets are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Individuals who pursue a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle typically have lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels than non-vegetarians. Certain studies also indicate that well-structured vegan and vegetarian diets can help regulate blood sugar levels and possibly reduce bodily inflammation.

It is crucial to highlight that, while these plant-based diets help to enhance health, the general better lifestyles associated with vegans and vegetarians, such as increased physical activity and less alcohol consumption, also help to minimize health risks.