Different foods can activate or deactivate diseasefighting genes from "summary" of Eat to Beat Disease by William W Li
Your diet has a profound impact on your body at the molecular level. Certain foods can turn on or off specific genes that are responsible for fighting diseases. This means that what you eat doesn't just provide fuel for your body; it also acts as a switch for your genetic machinery. For instance, broccoli contains a compound called sulforaphane that can activate a gene known as Nrf2. This gene plays a crucial role in the body's defense against cancer and other diseases by boosting the production of antioxidants and detoxification enzymes. By including broccoli in your diet, you are essentially turning on your body's disease-fighting genes. On the other hand, certain foods can also deactivate genes that are harmful to your health. For example, green tea contains compounds that can inhibit a gene called COX-2, which is involved in inflammation and cancer progression. By consuming green tea regularly, you are essentially putting the brakes on this gene and reducing your risk of developing these diseases. The concept of food as gene modulators is a powerful one. It means that you have the ability to influence your genetic predisposition to certain diseases through your dietary choices. By choosing to eat foods that activate disease-fighting genes and inhibit harmful ones, you are essentially taking control of your health at a fundamental level.- Your diet is not just about satisfying your hunger or taste preferences; it is about shaping your genetic expression and determining your health outcomes. This concept underscores the importance of choosing whole, nutrient-rich foods that have the power to influence your genes in a way that promotes health and longevity. By being mindful of what you eat, you can harness the potential of your food as medicine and eat to beat disease.
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