Could eating more plants help you stay younger? A small new study suggests even a month on a vegan diet may slow some biological markers of aging while also reducing signs of inflammation.

Researchers studied about 50 adults who ate similar numbers of calories, with one group following a vegan diet for four weeks. Blood tests found changes linked to healthier gene activity and lower levels of inflammation. The researchers also found that two measures of biological age suggested the vegan diet may have slowed the aging process, although they stress that larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm the findings.

The study adds to growing evidence that food choices can influence health in ways that go beyond calories and nutrients. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or not, filling your plate with a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other minimally processed foods is still the best recipe for long-term health.
Source: The Independent