There are many diseases, from nervous system disorders to cardiovascular problems that are linked to the changing nature of our genes.
It’s was once believed that many of these changes were a result of issues within our genetics, yet research at UCLA suggests that the primary reason more people are affected by damaged genes is due to our diet.
According to their research, the addition of fructose in many processed foods is the leading cause of damage.
While it’s naturally occurring in fruit, the fibrous structure of fruit slows the absorption rate.
The major problem is when fructose is added to processed food.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
HFCS is the most popular source of fructose, because it’s cheap and has overtaken as the sweetener of choice in the food manufacturing industry.
It’s found in popular drinks, desserts and snacks.
What’s terrifying is that the the average teenager consumes 12 teaspoons of HFCS per day.
This is without any consideration of how their diet is compromising their genes.
The Research
The team at UCLA trained a group of rats to navigate and escape a maze.
They then divided them into three groups.
For six weeks, one group was given water with fructose, the equivalent of a litre of soda.
Another group had fructose water and a diet with lots of DHA.
The last had plain water.
Compared to the plain water group, those consuming fructose had increased blood glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance
The animals on fructose also displayed impaired memory as demonstrated by prolonged latency.
DHA Reverses The Damage
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid known as docosahexaenoic acid.
The group that were given the fructose and DHA displayed similar signs to the ones who had plain water: they were able to navigate the maze much faster.
This shows that DHA is able to help reduce the effects of fructose.
“DHA changes not just one or two genes; it seems to push the entire gene pattern back to normal, which is remarkable,” said Xia Yang, an author of the study and a UCLA assistant professor of integrative biology and physiology”.
While we have DHA in our bodies, the amount is insufficient to help fight off disease. “
The brain and the body don’t have the ability to make DHA, therefore it has to come through our diet,” said Fernando Gomez-Pinilla, a UCLA professor of neurosurgery and of integrative biology and physiology.
Foods high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Flax seeds
- Flax seed oil
- Walnuts
- Chia Seeds
- Salmon
- Cod liver oil
In summary
- Avoid processed foods, especially those that contain HFCS
- Ensure you get healthy sources of omega 3 fatty acids
David L. Edwards is an author, Chinese medicine physician and acupuncturist. He is the author of The Body Fat Formula and The Pocketbook guide to Chinese medicine. David is the director of Barefoot Health and Wellness health programs.
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