Study finds vegan diet may be better than Mediterranean for metabolism

A new study published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health reignites the debate between vegan and Mediterranean diets, focusing on a dual objective: metabolic health and environmental impact.

The work, carried out by experts from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, highlights significant differences between the two dietary models. According to the data, following a low-fat vegan diet could reduce diet-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 57%. emissions by up to three times, compared with just 20% for the Mediterranean diet.

Study methodology: 62 adults and 16 weeks of controlled dieting

The study involved 62 overweight adults undergoing across-over diet protocol. Participants followed a vegan diet based on fruits, vegetables, cereals and legumes for 16 weeks, followed by a Mediterranean diet for a further 16 weeks. The researchers then cross-referenced the dietary data with international environmental databases, to estimate the overall impact of the two models throughout the production chain, from cultivation to transport. Another important point concerns cumulative energy demand, i.e. the total energy required to produce food: with the vegan diet, it decreases by 55%, with the other diet, much more modest variations are recorded.

Not just the environment: effects on metabolism and weight

Beyond its environmental profile, the vegan diet also showed significant effects on the participants' bodies. The results show greater improvements than with the Mediterranean diet in terms of body weight, insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels. According to the authors, these benefits support the idea that the same dietary model can simultaneously influence individual health and global sustainability.

Health and climate converge, say researchers

Researcher Hana Kahleova emphasized that these results were not theoretical, but derived from real clinical data. The focus of the study lies precisely in the convergence between human well-being and environmental impact. "The food model that is most protective for metabolic health is also the most sustainable for the planet", summarize the authors of this scientific work, which shows the extent to which food choices can have rapid and measurable effects.

The role of animal products in environmental impact

A large proportion of the differences observed stem from the elimination of foods of animal origin. Meat, dairy products and eggs are among the foods that consume the most resources and have the highest impact in terms of emissions. According to the researchers, it is the elimination of these foods that determines this "change of scale" in global emissions associated with the vegan diet.

Immediate leverage against climate crises and metabolic diseases

One of the aspects most highlighted by the study is the speed of change. Unlike many environmental policies, which take years to bear fruit, dietary changes can be implemented immediately, with visible effects in just a few weeks. This is why the authors speak of a solution "applicable on a large scale", which could affect not only individuals, but also healthcare systems and public policies.

Source: BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health