Hugo and Ross Turner’s Unique Experiment
Known for their daring expeditions, identical twins Hugo and Ross Turner embarked on a different kind of adventure in 2020: a dietary experiment.
For 12 weeks, from January to March, the twins compared the effects of a vegan diet and an omnivorous diet on their genetically identical bodies. This experiment was inspired by the rising popularity and debate around vegan diets among athletes, as highlighted in documentaries like “The Game Changers.”
Maintaining Fairness in the Experiment
To ensure fairness and eliminate bias, the twins kept their fitness training consistent. Ross, a personal trainer, designed a program involving endurance training five to six days a week. Their meals, provided by Mindful Chef delivery service, ensured they consumed nearly identical calorie amounts daily. Hugo adopted a vegan diet, while Ross followed an omnivorous diet. Researchers from King’s College London monitored their basic health metrics, including weight, cholesterol levels, and muscle mass throughout the experiment.
Advantages of a Vegan Diet
A plant-based diet, rich in whole, unprocessed foods, reduces the risk of heart disease and enhances overall well-being. This diet, mainly composed of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, is low in saturated fats and rich in heart-friendly fats and dietary fiber. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, collectively strengthening the body’s defense against various diseases.
Numerous studies link vegan diets to a decreased risk of heart disease. Vegans and vegetarians generally have lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels compared to non-vegetarians. Research also suggests that well-structured vegan and vegetarian diets can help regulate blood sugar levels and potentially reduce body inflammation. It’s important to note that the healthier lifestyles often associated with vegans and vegetarians, such as increased physical activity and reduced alcohol intake, also significantly contribute to these health benefits.
The Turner Twins’ Results
As the experiment progressed, the twins noticed significant changes. Hugo, on the vegan diet, reported feeling more energized during gym sessions and noted improved mental focus. He attributed this to a shift in his snacking habits, replacing biscuits and chips with fruits and nuts. Hugo also experienced weight loss and a reduction in body fat, dropping from 185 pounds and 13% body fat to 181 pounds and 12% body fat. Additionally, his cholesterol levels decreased. However, Hugo did report a decline in libido during the vegan diet.
Ross, who started slightly bigger than Hugo, experienced different results. On the omnivorous diet, he gained 10 pounds of muscle but also saw an increase in fat, raising his body fat percentage to 15%. Ross’s cholesterol levels remained consistent throughout the experiment.
Changes in the Gut Microbiome
The vegan diet induced interesting changes in Hugo’s gut microbiome, the population of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. According to fecal sample analysis by Atlas Biomed, Hugo’s microbiome changed in ways that potentially increased his resistance to chronic illnesses such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Surprisingly, both twins observed a decrease in microbial diversity in their gut, usually associated with reduced resilience against certain chronic illnesses like Crohn’s disease.
Reflections and Future Considerations
The twins acknowledged that a 12-week period is relatively short for a typical dietary study. They expressed a preference for a six-month to a year-long trial for more accurate and comprehensive data. Despite the short duration, the experiment was enlightening. Both brothers intend to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets moving forward. They concluded that the optimal diet is a blend of plant- and animal-based foods, highlighting that both diets have benefits and neither is superior overall. For those considering a vegan diet, the twins suggest starting small by replacing snacks with vegan alternatives, encouraging even dedicated meat-eaters to broaden their dietary horizons.
Continuing to Inspire
The Turner twins’ unique dietary journey adds to their repertoire of fascinating experiments. From scaling Mt. Elbrus in 2015 to replicating Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 expedition in Greenland using vintage gear, the Turner twins continue to inspire and educate about the potential of the human body, mind, and spirit.
Considering a Vegan Diet?
To reap the benefits of plant-based foods, you don’t necessarily need to transition completely to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Simply incorporating more plant-based foods and reducing processed food intake can significantly improve health and reduce the risk of heart disease. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits, regardless of meat or dairy consumption, is linked to a decreased likelihood of heart disease and premature mortality.
Globally, various dietary patterns incorporating different amounts of meat and dairy contribute to longevity and robust health. Examples from the ‘Blue Zones’ include the traditional Mediterranean diet, the vegetarian diet of the Seventh-Day Adventists, and the largely plant-based diet of Okinawans in Japan. These diets primarily rely on plant-based foods, highlighting their common characteristic of promoting health and longevity.
