Researchers have determined that the 9p21 gene greatly increases an individual's risk of having heart disease. According to Science Daily, individuals who unfortunately inherit this gene are not necessarily doomed. McGill University states a diet rich in fruits and vegetables substantially reduces the effects of the 9p21 gene. 27,000 individuals from European, South Asian, Chinese, Latin American and Arab countries were observed. The individuals with the gene 9p21 who ate healthy had the equivalent risk to having a heart attack as an individual without the gene who ate an average diet. The NY Daily News reports the same findings as Science Daily. The NY Daily News reports that 20% of people carry the 9p21 gene; however, "Healthy eating can help fight genetic predisposition". It is encouraging to realize that various heart diseases could be avoided despite poor genetics. In my opinion a healthy diet could greatly reduce the risk of various diseases despite inheriting "bad genes". I encourage those of you with a poor diet to consider healthier alternatives.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Diet Can Override Genetics
Researchers have determined that the 9p21 gene greatly increases an individual's risk of having heart disease. According to Science Daily, individuals who unfortunately inherit this gene are not necessarily doomed. McGill University states a diet rich in fruits and vegetables substantially reduces the effects of the 9p21 gene. 27,000 individuals from European, South Asian, Chinese, Latin American and Arab countries were observed. The individuals with the gene 9p21 who ate healthy had the equivalent risk to having a heart attack as an individual without the gene who ate an average diet. The NY Daily News reports the same findings as Science Daily. The NY Daily News reports that 20% of people carry the 9p21 gene; however, "Healthy eating can help fight genetic predisposition". It is encouraging to realize that various heart diseases could be avoided despite poor genetics. In my opinion a healthy diet could greatly reduce the risk of various diseases despite inheriting "bad genes". I encourage those of you with a poor diet to consider healthier alternatives.
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How easy is it to determine if a person has 9p21 gene, and how often is the individual conscious of having this?
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