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You are what you eat. Hypothetically speaking that is

Updated: May 9


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According to Wikipedia, eating (also known as consuming) is ingesting food matter, typically consumed to provide an organism with energy and allow for growth. As homo sapiens, we must eat to survive and sustain our health.

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Nutritional epigenetics is a study of how food affects gene regulation patterns. It is a resolutely molecular science focused on how the molecules in food interact, via metabolic systems, with the molecules that attach to DNA and control gene expression levels in the body. Our DNA and forms carry similar nutrients to the food we consume. Therefore, depending on the kind of foods we are devouring and the contents of those foods, they can affect our nutrient levels and overall health.

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You won't change your being or DNA sequence, but your diet profoundly impacts how you "express" the potentialities encoded in your DNA. The foods you consume can turn on or off specific genetic markers that significantly affect your health outcomes; Certain foods can positively influence gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms.

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Here are some key foods:


  • Folate-rich foods: Leafy greens, beans, and lentils.

  • Vitamin B12: Found in animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs.

  • Choline: Eggs, lean meats, and fish.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

  • Antioxidants: Berries, nuts, and green tea

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On average, the human body compromises 6% minerals, carbohydrates, and other nutrients, 16% fat, 16% protein, and 62% water. Of course, these percentages vary for every person depending on their diet and lifestyle.


Interesting fact:
The first mention of the phrase 'you are what you eat' came from the 1826 work Physiologie du Gout, ou Meditations de Gastronomie transcendante, in which French author Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote: “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.”The phrase ‘You Are What You Eat’ means eating good food is essential to being healthy and fit. This saying concerns me because, as we look these days into the dietary habits and behaviours of most people within Western societies, we find that many people do not think twice about their food supply or the nutritional value of the contents they put inside their bodies.

There is a bit of truth to that saying. But let's be honest: if you eat a hamburger, does that automatically make you a cow? No, but on the contrary, while that doesn't make you a cow, your nutrient levels will equilibrate with that of the hamburger and the cow slaughtered. The foods you eat alter your body's nutrients, making it very important to eat foods that will positively impact your body and health. Therefore, always ensure you are mindful of the foods and chemicals you ingest in your body. Almost everything is ok, in moderation. The more you prioritize consuming healthy foods, the easier it will be, and the more you will start to prefer fresh, whole, and pure foods over unhealthy and processed foods. You will begin to see the brighter side of obtaining Natural Nutrition as you strive to live a wholesome life.

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Awareness of one's consumption content is the first step in moving towards a more nutritious diet and, therefore, a healthier body, Mind, and Spirit.


Transitioning to a Healthier Diet


Transitioning to a healthier diet can be gradual and sustainable. Here are some tips:


  1. Start with small changes: Swap out unhealthy snacks for fruits or nuts.

  2. Incorporate more whole foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

  3. Plan your meals: Preparing meals in advance can help you avoid unhealthy choices.

  4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and limit sugary beverages.

  5. Seek support: Consider consulting a nutritionist or joining a support group.


Long-Term Health Consequences of Poor Dietary Choices


Consistently poor dietary choices can lead to several long-term health issues:


  • Heart disease: High saturated fats and sodium intake can increase the risk of heart disease.

  • Type 2 diabetes: Excessive sugar and refined carbs can lead to insulin resistance.

  • Obesity: Poor diet and lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain.

  • Cancer: Certain dietary patterns may increase the risk of various cancers6.

  • Mental health issues: Poor nutrition can affect mood and cognitive function.


In conclusion, Making healthier food choices can profoundly impact your overall well-being. It can sometimes be hard to choose an apple over a candy bar, but trust me when I say that your body will thank you for eating healthily in the long run when you intend to consume only that which gives your body life and not death. You will start to see an immense difference.


Thanks for reading. Until next time,




Citations:


“Food as Exposure: Nutritional Epigenetics and the New Metabolism.” BioSocieties, vol. 6, no. 2, 2011, pp. 167–194., doi:10.1057/biosoc.2011.1.



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