In a unique experiment full of scientific curiosity, the British twins Hugo y Ross Turner decided to undergo an extreme eating challenge: one adopted a diet vegan while the other continued with a omnivorous diet for 12 weeks. The goal was to measure how their bodies reacted to such different eating regimens.taking advantage of their identical genetics to minimize external variables.
Known for their expeditions to some of the most inaccessible places on the planet, the brothers decided to take this exploration to the field of nutrition and health. Monitored by researchers of the King’s College from London, the twins performed the same training program, consumed the same amount of calories and underwent regular health analysis. At the end of the experiment, the results were surprising and offered a unique perspective on the effects of plant-based and animal-based diets.
“We wanted to eliminate bias and opinions and take it to the genetic level. “We can involve science because we are twins and genetically identical, so we can compare ourselves in extreme environments,” Ross Turner explained to the BBC.
The most noticeable changes occurred in the body composition of both twins. Hugowho followed a vegan diet, lost weight mainly in the form of fatty mealgoing from 84 kg and 13% body fat to 82 kg and 12% body fat. Their cholesterol level dropped significantly, from 5.9 mmol/L (228 mg/dL) to 4.9 mmol/L (189 mg/dL), which could indicate cardiovascular benefits.
However, not everything was positive for Hugo. Although he felt more energy and concentration during your training sessions, too noticed a pronounced drop in his libidoan effect that the researchers could not fully explain due to the lack of specific hormonal analyses.
For its part, Rosswho maintained an omnivorous diet rich in animal proteins and carbohydratesgained 4.5kg in weight, with a mixture of muscle mass and fat. Their body fat increased from 13% to 15%, while their cholesterol remained at an elevated level of 6.5 mmol/L (more than 240 mg/dL). Although his performance in the gym was adequate, he experienced energetic ups and downs during the day.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the study was the effect on your gut microbiomesthat is, the bacteria present in their digestive systems. Contrary to expectations, both brothers experienced a decrease in microbial diversitywhich could reduce resistance to chronic diseases.
In the case of Hugo (vegan), his microbiome showed improvements in some markers related to reducing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetesaccording to the analysis of fecal samples carried out by Atlas Biomed. However, the researchers noted that 12 weeks is a relatively short period for significant changes in gut flora.
Ross, however, noticed that his microbiome remained more stabledespite their diet rich in meat and animal products. According to the twins, the lack of diversity in their microbiomes could be related to the abrupt transition to a vegan diet and the limited duration of the experiment.
Both brothers underwent a rigorous resistance training five or six times a weekfollowing the same exercise program. Hugowith his vegan diet, felt more stable and with fewer power dropspossibly because he stopped consuming ultra-processed foods such as cookies and chips, replacing them with fruits and nuts.
On the other hand, Ross experiment power spikes and dipsespecially after consuming meals heavy in carbohydrates and animal proteins. “I would have these big spikes of energy and then I would crash,” Ross admitted, speaking to Men’s Health.
After 12 weeks, the brothers concluded that Neither diet clearly outperformed the other.but both had advantages and disadvantages. Since then, they have incorporated more vegan foods in their daily diet, especially snacks, and have reduced meat consumption in favor of more sustainable protein sources.
“One thing we learned is that we don’t eat enough variety of foods,” Hugo said. “Often we simply disguise the same foods in different ways. But variety is the spice of life.”
For those considering trying a vegan diet, Ross suggested not making drastic changes, but instead starting with gradually introduce plant-based alternativesespecially in snacks.
Although this experiment did not provide a definitive answer on what diet is best, shows that diet is not a one-size-fits-all approach. What was clear is that carrying a balanced and personalized diet It may be the key to a healthier life.
