Food for genes - study reveals a connection between diet and gene expression |
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The influence of diet on our health is no longer a secret.
However, recent studies confirm even more important role of the food in our body.
It has been proven that the food directly affects our genes.
Research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology confirmed that there is a strong connection between our diet and gene expression.
Health depends on genes
Every living organism's cells contain DNA, or the so-called carriers of genetic information.
DNA is, along with genes lined on it, transmitted from parents to offspring, which means that the genes are the carriers of all hereditary characteristics of every living organism.
Genes determine not only our appearance, the type of metabolism and blood group - they carry many other important health information.
Each gene carries instructions for making proteins. Proteins are essential building blocks of our body - controlling its growth, proper functioning and health.
Proteins are used to create and regenerate tissue, for the production of enzymes and hormones, for building bones, muscles, skin, blood and cartilage.
The process, in which information from a gene is used to create a protein, is called gene expression.
Genes contain information about diseases that our ancestors had, creating a predisposition for developing certain diseases, which may or may not be manifest in life.
The latest research shows that diet can reduce a genetic predisposition for developing certain diseases.
DNA can be changed
As we already know, some human diseases are caused by mutations in the DNA. But few know that many diseases originate when genes are "turned on" and "turned off".
There are thousands of genes in our body, but not all of them are active. Scientists have investigated the factors that control the activity of genes and confirmed that the food is one of the most important factors.
“We have strong evidence that the nutrients can alter DNA” - Professor Ian Johnson (Institute of Food Research ).
“Studies have shown that mother’s diet also influences the DNA of her offspring”.
Just imagine: food you are eating now will determine the health of your children and your grandchildren. Is that not that amazing?
Moderation is important in all things
According to the research, moderation in all things is the key to health. This applies to both the quality and quantity of nutrients that we intake.
The fact that all things require moderation was even mentioned in ancient medical traditions such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.
It seems that in the modern world we have somewhat forgotten about that. But the latest research reminds us of the ancient wisdom that teaches us that being moderate is golden characteristic.
For example, it was shown that excessive intake of carbohydrates - which has become a standard in our "fast-food" society - has a destructive effect on DNA. Excessive carbohydrate intake can activate genes that are responsible for the development of many diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease and several types of cancers.
A healthy diet should not contain more than 30% of carbohydrates (or 40% of calories) in each meal. Otherwise, we stimulate our genes to trigger diseases in the body.
Professor Berit Johansen (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) :“If you were to ask your genes which food is best for your health, they would answer: "Your diet should contain one-third protein, one-third fat and one-third carbohydrates."
The amazing fact is that the average diet of a modern human contains 65% carbohydrates! Most of them come from the fast food. It is no wonder that the number of sick people in the world is constantly growing.
Smaller meals are better for health
The research also showed that smaller and more frequent meals have a better effect on our health than 2-3 large meals a day.
It is recommended that you eat six smaller and balanced meals every day.
Healthy fats are essential for the health of our genes
Prof. Johansen also emphasizes the importance of intake of healthy fats. It is advisable to completely avoid saturated animal fats and use monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats of vegetable origin.
Olive, sunflower, pumpkin, sesame and flax seed oil are excellent sources of healthy fats.
Encouraging news for those who eat unhealthy
For those among us who eat unhealthy, Johansen has an encouraging news: "It took only 6 days of diet to change gene expression in all of our subjects."
So, it is not difficult to start - you will feel the positive changes relatively quickly. But if you really want to be healthy, you need to maintain proper diet throughout your entire life.
Nutrigenomics is the future of medicine
We learned about the importance of a healthy diet and disorders in the body due to improper food combining from Ayurveda .
It is time that modern medicine proves this via scientific research and starts applying the facts.
Nutrigenomics, the science of nutrition and genes, is giving hope that the world of medicine will soon change.
”With more knowledge of how nutrients affect gene expression, there are options that will be used for treating many diseases using food instead of drugs”.
- Koushik Adhikari ( Kansas State University ).
Just image - in the near future, your doctor will prescribe you a diet instead of drugs.
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