Hey there! Welcome back to “That Science Couple” blog. So, I just curled up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and watched the “You are what you eat” documentary. As someone with a PhD in Nutritional Science, I couldn’t help but put on my science hat while watching it. Let me share with you some thoughts and nuggets of wisdom from the show, which really dives into the saying, “You Are What You Eat.” Spoiler alert – it’s a mix of science and real-world talk!
Find your way around:
The Study’s Gist:
First off, the documentary is based on an actual clinical trial, not just a casual experiment. We’re talking about the “Twins Nutrition Study (TwiNS): Vegan vs. Omnivore,” officially listed under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05297825. This isn’t just a one-off; it’s a serious scientific inquiry into the epigenetic impacts of vegan versus omnivorous diets on aging. The documentary “You Are What You Eat” gives us a first glimpse of this data taken straight from the publication “Unveiling the Epigenetic Impact of Vegan vs. Omnivorous Diets on Aging: Insights from the Twins Nutrition Study (TwiNS).” But this isn’t everything, so buckle up, because we can expect a slew of publications examining different aspects of this study to roll out over the next year.
Time Matters in Nutrition:
Now, let’s talk about the timeline. The study featured in “You Are What You Eat” ran for just 8 weeks, which in the grand scheme of nutrition studies, isn’t a marathon – it’s more like a quick sprint. But here’s the thing: with dramatic changes in diet, such as switching to a plant-based diet, your body starts showing signs pretty quickly. Changes in blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure can start to show up in as little as four weeks. It’s like your body saying, “Hey, something new is happening here!” So, while we’d typically expect to see more changes over a longer period, 8 weeks is definitely enough time to start seeing some interesting shifts. It’s enough time for your body to start telling you a new story.
Twins and Methodology:
The cool thing here? Twins were each other’s controls. It’s like having your own personal ‘what if’ scenario right next to you. They could’ve mixed it up with a crossover study, where each twin tries both diets. That’s like swapping plates halfway through dinner to see what you might be missing. But that would’ve doubled the study time, and let’s be real – not everyone has that kind of patience (or funding).
Real Talk on Compliance:
Not all twins stuck to the plan, and that’s just human nature. We all sneak a cookie sometimes, right? It’s important to remember this when we talk about any study – we’re dealing with real people, not robots.
Muscles and Plants:
Let’s chat about the muscle game – the face-off between vegan and omnivore diets. The Trifecta pre-prepped meals were pretty much head-to-head in terms of calories – we’re talking an average of 450 calories for the Omnivore (Clean Meal Plan) and 430 calories for the Vegan (Plant Based Plan). But here’s the kicker: the omnivore meals packed more protein, averaging 29 grams compared to 21 grams in the vegan meals. That’s like having a little extra fuel in your tank.
But wait, there’s more. When the participants whipped up their own meals, things might have varied a bit. The researchers were on top of this, gathering all that meal prep data. The catch? They haven’t shared this info yet. So, it’s a bit of a cliffhanger – we’ll have to stay tuned for those details.
Remember, going vegan doesn’t mean waving goodbye to muscles. It’s all about smart choices – getting friendly with beans, tofu, nuts, and seeds. These are the plant powerhouses that can help keep those muscles happy and strong.
Brain Food?
When it comes to the brain, changes like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) typically start to surface around age 65, and these shifts are measured over years, not weeks. In my own work with the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP), we test participants for cognition every two years. Sometimes, it takes a decade or more to see noticeable changes. So, the absence of cognitive changes in the documentary’s 8-week time-frame is completely expected. It’s a long game when we’re talking about the brain, especially in relation to diet and cognitive health.
Who’s Paying the Bills:
The funding part is interesting. This study was funded by the Vogt Foundation, a supporter of the Oceanic Preservation Society. Now, let’s be real about science – everyone needs a backer, whether you’re studying kale smoothies or candy bars. And if you’re raising an eyebrow at that, it might be time to take a hard look at your medicine cabinet. Most of the meds we rely on got their start from studies funded by Big Pharma.
Let’s talk about the brains behind the operation. Dr. Christopher Gardner, prominently featured in the documentary, is no newbie to the field. With over 172 publications and 20 years of nutrition work under his belt, he led this study at Stanford alongside two dedicated Post-docs.
As a fellow Post-doc, I can vouch for the immense time and energy it takes just to analyze data, let alone run a small scale clinical trial. So, when we discuss funding, it’s essential to also recognize the sweat and intellect that power these studies. And these folks? They’re not just playing in the minor leagues; they’re the heavy hitters of the scientific community. What truly matters isn’t just who writes the checks, but the integrity and dedication of those doing the research.
Not Just for Nerds:
I love that they didn’t just stick to scientists in white coats. Having real people share their stories makes it so much more relatable. It’s like having a chat with friends rather than sitting in a lecture hall.
Final Scoop:
Overall, take the documentary “You Are What You Eat” with a pinch of salt – or sugar, if that’s more your style. It’s got some good points on both vegan and omnivore diets. It’s not about picking sides; it’s about being open to learning something new.
Join the Conversation:
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What did you think about the “You Are What You Eat” documentary know? Are you thinking of mixing up your diet, or just sticking to your usual fare? Drop a comment below – let’s start a conversation, whether you’re about to go full vegan or just adding a bit more green to your plate!
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