Famous for their daring travels, identical twins Hugo and Ross Turner set out to investigate the impact of two opposing diets—vegan and omnivorous—during a fascinating 12-week food experiment that ran from January to March 2020.
Their choice to embrace this distinctive challenge arose from the increasing debate and interest surrounding plant-based diets, particularly within the realm of athletics.
The siblings were convinced that their genetic similarity would allow their experiment to provide important information regarding the effects of various diets on physical performance and general well-being.
In a bid to uphold fairness and remove any chance of bias, the twins stuck to the same fitness training routines.
Personal trainer Ross designed a rigorous, endurance-focused program that he structured for five to six days a week.
The meals were carefully crafted and provided by Mindful Chef, ensuring that both twins had nearly identical daily calorie intake.
Hugo followed a strictly plant-based diet, whereas Ross opted for a varied diet that included both plant and animal products.
Scientists at King’s College London meticulously observed their advancements, recording essential health indicators like weight, cholesterol levels, and muscle mass during the study.
As the weeks went by, Hugo, following a vegan diet, started to observe some fascinating changes.
One of his most noticeable changes was an increase in energy levels during his workouts.
He shared that he felt a boost in energy and mental clarity while working out at the gym.
His snacking habits changed; he shifted from biscuits and chips to more nutrient-dense, plant-based options like fruits and nuts.
This change significantly influenced his overall well-being.
One of the most notable changes for Hugo was his significant weight loss.
He initiated the experiment at a weight of around 185 pounds, accompanied by a body fat percentage of 13%.
He weighed 181 pounds at the end of the 12-week period, and his body fat percentage had dropped to 12%.
During the experiment, there was a notable improvement in his cholesterol levels.
However, there was a downside to his new diet—Hugo noticed a significant drop in his libido, which he linked to the vegan lifestyle.
In the meantime, Ross, adhering to an omnivorous diet, noted varying outcomes.
He gained 10 pounds of muscle, but his body fat also increased, reaching 15%.
In a noteworthy development, Ross’s cholesterol levels showed consistency during the experiment, highlighting a distinct difference from Hugo’s situation.
Although Ross appreciated the increase in muscle mass, the accompanying body fat sparked concerns regarding the lasting effects of an omnivorous diet on his overall well-being.
One of the most surprising results centered around the twins’ digestive well-being.
Hugo’s shift to a vegan diet led to notable transformations in his gut microbiome, the collection of helpful bacteria residing in the digestive system.
An analysis of a fecal sample by Atlas Biomed has shown that Hugo’s gut microbiome has undergone changes that may improve his resilience against chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The twins observed a decrease in the variety of microbes in their gut, typically associated with a reduced capacity to manage conditions like Crohn’s disease.
While the findings were enlightening, both Hugo and Ross recognized that a duration of 12 weeks was somewhat limited for an in-depth dietary investigation.
They indicated a wish to conduct the experiment again, extending it over a longer timeframe, possibly six months to a year, to gather more precise and comprehensive information.
Despite the challenges, the experience proved to be eye-opening, leading to a shared recognition of the advantages associated with plant-based foods.
In a progressive step, they aimed to integrate additional plant-based choices into their meals.
As the experiment came to a close, the Turner twins arrived at a significant agreement: neither the vegan nor the omnivorous diet stood out as the definitive champion.
Both diets presented unique benefits, and they felt that the best strategy was to find a middle ground between plant-based and animal-based foods.
For anyone looking to embrace a vegan lifestyle, Hugo and Ross suggested beginning with small changes, such as swapping out snacks for vegan options.
Their experiment aimed to motivate others, especially committed meat-lovers, to expand their culinary experiences and discover the advantages of plant-based alternatives.
The Turner twins’ dietary exploration contributes to their impressive array of bold experiments.
They are renowned for testing the limits of human endurance, having accomplished feats like climbing Mount Elbrus in 2015 and using antique equipment to reenact Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 expedition to Greenland.
The brothers’ latest venture showcases the remarkable adaptability of the human body, whether facing extreme climates or undergoing dietary changes.
The ongoing discussion surrounding veganism and omnivorous diets is gaining popularity, and the twins’ experiment provides an intriguing viewpoint.
It indicates that a well-rounded diet, incorporating both plant-derived and animal-derived foods, could be essential for attaining peak health and performance.
Their findings are consistent with other worldwide eating habits recognized for enhancing longevity and overall health, including the Mediterranean diet and the predominantly plant-based diet of the Okinawans in Japan.
These diets highlight the crucial role of vegetables and fruits as fundamental elements of a healthy lifestyle.
For anyone considering a transition to a vegan lifestyle, the experiences of the Turner twins highlight that even minor adjustments—such as boosting the consumption of plant-based options and cutting back on processed items—can result in notable health improvements.
Although the experiment only lasted 12 weeks, we expect the insights gained about nutrition, fitness, and the body’s remarkable adaptability to have a lasting impact that goes well beyond this dietary trial.
Feature Image Credit: (Canva)
