Giving up meat, fish, eggs and dairy products for several weeks can lead to significant changes in metabolism at the genetic level.
According to the journal Nature Communications, researchers analyzed data from 200 healthy residents of the Thessaloniki region of Greece who abstained from consuming animal products for 180 to 200 days a year for religious reasons. For comparison, they used data from 211 other people in the same region who did not adhere to these restrictions.
The analysis showed that abstaining from animal products is accompanied by changes in gene function and metabolism. Researchers focused particularly on the FGF21 gene (protein), which is involved in regulating energy metabolism.
It turned out that a specific type of it in some participants was linked to the transformation of white adipose tissue into brown adipose tissue, where white fat cells begin to partially acquire the characteristics of brown adipose tissue, thus consuming energy more efficiently.
In addition, the researchers observed changes in the activity of the LBR gene, which is responsible for cholesterol production. Scientists suggest this may be a compensatory response, whereby when the body consumes less cholesterol in the diet, it modifies its own cholesterol production processes.
The researchers emphasize that the study does not prove direct protection against obesity, but it does show a close link between diet, genetics, and metabolism.
