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You know a vegan diet is touted for its plethora of health benefits, but now research suggests it can even make you younger at the cellular level, reducing your biological age. After just eight weeks of a vegan diet, one study found that biomarkers for biological aging decreased. How well your body functions is the focus of your biological age, which means it can be different from your chronological age, or age in years. A vegan diet is one of the specific lifestyle changes you can make to help you function like someone younger. When you slow your biological age, it can help you live longer and add healthier years to life without chronic disease.
Even though civilization has made huge strides in prolonging life expectancy, much of the population still battles with age-related chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease. But if we can slow biological aging, the prevalence of those chronic conditions will diminish further. This means we would not only extend our quantity of life by adding years but also our quality of life as these years would be healthier ones.
Medical professionals can assess biological age in different ways. One way is through DNA methylation, involving molecular changes over time that flip genes on and off. Sometimes changes age the body faster and others may slow the aging process down. For this study, shifts in DNA were monitored in 21 pairs of adult identical twins. In each pair, one twin switched to a vegan diet and the other followed a healthy diet that included meats and animal products.
Often confused with vegetarianism, a vegan diet is stricter and prohibits eating not only meats and fish but all animal byproducts as well. This means vegans must forgo eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, and other foods that vegetarians consume.
The study found a reduction in biological age markers for the twins who went vegan. But for the twins who continued eating meat and animal products, these same markers remained the same. Specifically, the study linked going vegan to reductions in biological age markers of the heart and liver as well as for the endocrine, immune, and metabolic systems.
However, scientists can’t be sure how much of the observed changes were solely due to the vegan diet and how much could be attributed to calorie reduction and weight loss. And since the study is small and not extensive, which means a broad conclusion can’t be drawn about whether everyone should reduce biological age by going vegan.
Furthermore, researchers can’t be sure which aspect of the vegan diet is so beneficial–like eating less meat or eating more vegetables.
Of all the modifiable factors, experts believe diet has the most impact on biological age. Plant-based diets have enormous anti-inflammatory benefits and are high in antioxidants, nutrients, and fiber which go a long way toward slowing biological aging. Vegan diets are also extremely low in saturated fats, a major contributor to chronic conditions like high cholesterol and heart disease.
But before you jump on the vegan train, consider your approach. It’s best to do your research and be sure a vegan diet is sustainable over time, even if you’re not a strict vegan. It’s better to be mostly vegan or largely vegan than to be strict for the short term. The benefits accumulate over time, which means a vegan diet must be a long-term commitment to have any lasting impact upon your health.
As with any “diet” or eating plan, the health benefits depend on the specifics of what you’re eating. Even a vegan can eat bad or unhealthy plant-based foods. Here are a few common types of vegan diets:
Dietary vegans:
Also called “plant-based eaters,” this is the most strict type of vegan. Adherents to this brand of veganism avoid consuming all animal products but still use non-vegan products in other forms such as clothing and cosmetics.
Whole-food vegans:
These veganites eat only vegan-whole foods, omitting any processed vegan products. The focus of this diet is vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and nuts.
“Junk-food” vegans:
These are the opposite of whole-food vegans. A large part of their diet contains processed vegan foods like fries, frozen dinners, vegan meats, and desserts like vegan cookies and non-dairy ice cream.
Raw-food vegans:
Although safer than meat-eating raw food fans, those who follow a vegan raw-food diet eat only foods that are either completely raw or cooked at temperatures below 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius).
Low fat raw-food vegans:
This type of vegan diet avoids high fat vegan foods like avocados, nuts, and coconuts. They eat a lot of fruit in addition to raw vegetables. Because they don’t eat nuts or processed soy, it can be difficult for this type of vegan to get the proper amount of protein or healthy fats.
Of the many types of vegan diets, a whole-food vegan diet offers the most health benefits, allowing you to eat the most variety and gain the most nutritional benefit. If you want to try a vegan diet, consult with your doctor about what is most appropriate for you and to ensure you’re able to gain all the nutrients you need.
Since diets high in red meats have been linked to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, more people are considering a vegan diet as a healthy and safer alternative. Plant-based diets are closely associated with a lower risk of developing these diseases and dying prematurely.
Many people also experience better digestion when eating primarily plant-based, and additional research has linked it with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, some research suggests that if you eat a vegan diet you’re more protected from the side effects linked to the antibiotics and hormones in modern animal products.
Another major factor in reducing the risk of chronic disease is weight loss that is often inherent with a vegan diet. When you cut out the calories found in higher fat meats, highly processed foods, dairy, and other animal-based foods, it’s much easier to maintain a calorie deficit or the right amount of calories for a stable weight.
However, you may be surprised to find that going vegan, though beneficial for reducing biological age, might also leave you short in certain nutrients. As a vegan, you must be mindful of consuming the proper amount of protein, healthy fats, iron, B12, calcium, selenium, zinc, iodine, and vitamin D. These nutrients are specifically found in animal products and little to none exist in plant-based foods. A vegan diet can be perfectly healthy as you are aware of some of the deficiencies and intentionally plan for them, whether by intentionally incorporating foods rich in these nutrients or taking supplements to account for them.
Here are some of the plant-based replacements vegans use to replace animal products.
Tofu, tempeh, and seitan
These foods offer a protein-rich alternative to meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. You can use them in recipes or prepare them as you would a meaty main dish.
Legumes
These include beans, lentils, and peas, which are excellent sources of nutrients and can be prepared in many ways or added to a variety of recipes. Lentils are also an important source of vegan protein while also containing complex carbs.
Nuts and nut butter
If you eat these unblanched and unroasted, you’ll get a larger dose of fiber, iron magnesium, selenium, zinc, and vitamin E.
Seeds
Hemp, chia, and flaxseeds provide a healthy amount of protein and those necessary healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids.
Calcium-fortified plant milk and yogurt
Vegans get some of the necessary calcium, B12, and vitamin D from fortified vegan dairy products.
Algae
This is an excellent source of complete plant protein, specifically if you buy spirulina and chlorella varieties.
Nutritional yeast
This is another way for vegans to get more protein. It’s often in a flaky form and can be shaken onto or into vegan dishes. It has a mild “cheesy” flavor. You can usually buy brands fortified with B12.
Whole grains, cereals, and pseudocereals
These are excellent sources of complex carbs, fiver, B vitamins, iron, and minerals. Some high-protein examples include teff, spelt, amaranth, and quinoa. You could also include steel-cut oats and even the more processed oat varieties.
Sprouted and fermented plant foods
Vegans regularly eat tempeh, miso, natto, sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, and kombucha which contain probiotics and vitamin K2. You can also improve mineral absorption by eating sprouted and fermented foods.
Fruits and vegetables
A foundational element of a vegan diet is fruits and vegetables. Both are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Eating leafy greens like spinach, kale, watercress, bok choy, and mustard greens boosts iron and calcium.
A growing body of research suggests there are real and impactful health benefits linked to a vegan diet. So if it’s overall health and nutrition you’re concerned about, a vegan diet may be worth the inevitable sacrifices. This is especially true if you’re interested in slowing the biological aging process. Just keep it in mind that you don’t have to adopt a vegan diet in the strictest sense to see health benefits. Drastically reducing the consumption of saturated fats or animal products will have a positive impact and reduce health risk.
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
It takes collaboration of great minds, a great passion and great brand to successfully foster our global mission to empower the over 33 million Americans suffering from urinary incontinence and the many challenges it can bring to make a smart product choice as their incontinence solution. We are honored to showcase our product and to continuously raise the standards of our customer experience, improve the quality of their life andEmpower their Health.Inspiring a healthier life for everyone, everyday. Contact Julie Wolf today your local Tye Medical Professional in Florida directly at252-292-8744
It takes collaboration of great minds, a great passion and great brand to successfully foster our global mission to empower the over 33 million Americans suffering from urinary incontinence and the many challenges it can bring to make a smart product choice as their incontinence solution. We are honored to showcase our product and to continuously raise the standards of our customer experience, improve the quality of their life andEmpower their Health.Inspiring a healthier life for everyone, everyday. Contact Julie Wolf today your local Tye Medical Professional in Florida directly at252-292-8744
It takes collaboration of great minds, a great passion and great brand to successfully foster our global mission to empower the over 33 million Americans suffering from urinary incontinence and the many challenges it can bring to make a smart product choice as their incontinence solution. We are honored to showcase our product and to continuously raise the standards of our customer experience, improve the quality of their life andEmpower their Health.Inspiring a healthier life for everyone, everyday. Contact Julie Wolf today your local Tye Medical Professional in Florida directly at252-292-8744