In the realm of nutrition and fitness, few experiments have garnered as much attention as the dietary adventure undertaken by the Turner twins. Known for their daring expeditions, identical twins Hugo and Ross Turner decided to explore a different kind of frontier—the effects of diet on genetically identical individuals. In 2020, the twins embarked on a 12-week experiment, comparing a vegan diet to an omnivorous diet to determine which lifestyle offered the most health benefits.
The Motivation Behind the Experiment
The Turner twins were inspired to conduct this unique study due to the growing popularity and controversy surrounding vegan diets, especially among athletes. Documentaries like “The Game Changers” have sparked debates about whether a plant-based diet can truly enhance athletic performance. To ensure a fair comparison, both Hugo and Ross maintained identical fitness routines, with Ross, a personal trainer, designing a rigorous program of endurance training five to six days a week.
Their meals were meticulously planned and prepared by the Mindful Chef delivery service, ensuring that both brothers consumed a nearly identical number of calories each day. The only difference was the source of those calories—Hugo committed to a vegan diet, while Ross continued with an omnivorous diet. Researchers from King’s College, London, monitored their health metrics, including weight, cholesterol levels, and muscle mass, throughout the experiment.
The Benefits of a Vegan Diet
A vegan diet, rich in whole, unprocessed foods, is often lauded for its health benefits. This diet is primarily composed of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, all of which are low in saturated fats and high in heart-healthy fats and dietary fiber. Additionally, these plant-based foods are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that help protect against various diseases.
Studies have shown that a vegan diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Some research even suggests that a well-structured vegan diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body. However, it’s important to recognize that the health benefits of a vegan diet are often accompanied by an overall healthier lifestyle, which may include increased physical activity and reduced alcohol consumption.
Unveiling the Turner Twins’ Results
As the experiment progressed, both Hugo and Ross began to notice significant changes in their bodies and overall well-being.
Hugo’s Experience on a Vegan Diet
Hugo, who followed the vegan diet, reported feeling more energized during his workouts and noticed an improvement in his mental focus. He attributed this to healthier snacking habits, as he replaced typical snacks like biscuits and chips with fruits and nuts, which are naturally vegan-friendly.
One of the most noticeable changes Hugo experienced was a reduction in both weight and body fat. He started the experiment weighing 185 pounds with 13% body fat and ended up at 181 pounds with a body fat percentage of 12%. Additionally, his cholesterol levels dropped. However, Hugo did experience a downside—he reported a marked decline in his libido while on the vegan diet.
Ross’s Experience on an Omnivorous Diet
Ross, who adhered to an omnivorous diet, saw different results. He gained 10 pounds of muscle but also noticed an increase in fat, raising his body fat percentage to 15%. Unlike Hugo, Ross’s cholesterol levels remained consistent throughout the experiment.
The Impact on Gut Health
One of the most intriguing aspects of the experiment was the effect of the diets on the twins’ gut microbiomes. Hugo’s vegan diet led to changes in his gut bacteria that potentially increased his resistance to chronic illnesses like obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, both twins observed a decrease in microbial diversity in their guts, a factor typically associated with a reduced ability to combat certain chronic illnesses.
Key Takeaways from the Experiment
While the Turner twins’ experiment lasted only 12 weeks, it provided valuable insights into the effects of vegan and omnivorous diets. The twins acknowledged that a longer study, ideally six months to a year, would offer more comprehensive data. Nevertheless, the experiment highlighted that both diets have their own benefits, and neither one is inherently superior.
Hugo and Ross concluded that the optimal diet likely includes a balance of plant-based and animal-based foods. They encourage those considering a vegan diet to start by making small changes, such as replacing snacks with vegan alternatives. The Turner twins’ journey underscores the importance of broadening dietary horizons and considering the benefits of incorporating more plant-based foods into one’s diet.
Considering a Switch to a Vegan Diet?
You don’t have to commit fully to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle to enjoy the benefits of plant-based foods. Simply incorporating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains into your diet while reducing processed foods can lead to significant health improvements and a lower risk of heart disease.
Diets around the world, from the Mediterranean diet to the plant-based diet of Okinawans in Japan, highlight the importance of plant-based foods for longevity and robust health. Whether you choose to go fully vegan or just add more plant-based meals to your routine, the benefits are clear.
