Overview

• The randomized crossover study involved 62 overweight adults who followed each diet for 16 weeks with a four-week washout period
• Participants on the vegan regimen saw significant drops in Potential Renal Acid Load and Net Endogenous Acid Production scores compared with no change on the Mediterranean plan
• Those in the low-fat vegan group lost an average of 13.2 pounds while the Mediterranean cohort experienced no net weight change
• Lead author Hana Kahleova attributes weight loss to reduced inflammation from cutting acid-producing animal products and to benefits for the gut microbiome
• Top alkalizing foods highlighted include leafy greens, berries, legumes, cruciferous vegetables and grains such as quinoa and millet