Identical twins Hugo and Ross Turner, known for daring expeditions, launched a 12-week dietary experiment in 2020. Hugo adopted a vegan diet, while Ross stuck to an omnivorous one, maintaining identical fitness regimens and calorie intake, monitored by King’s College London.

Hugo reported increased energy, better mental focus, and reduced weight and cholesterol, though he experienced lower libido. Ross gained muscle but also added body fat, with unchanged cholesterol levels. Hugo’s gut microbiome shifted toward better chronic disease resistance, although both brothers saw reduced microbial diversity.

The twins concluded that neither diet was superior overall. They recommended a balanced approach combining plant- and animal-based foods, encouraging people to start small, such as replacing snacks with vegan alternatives.

Their experiment highlights that even modest dietary changes can improve health, echoing findings from long-living populations worldwide who prioritize plant-based foods in their diets.