Food has tantalizing effect in human history as in the start of the human evolution.
Each individual has gene variation in which the protein sequences are affected and most likely, the nutrient requirements, the likeliness of disease are varied to the appropriateness of the genetic makeup in oneself.
Nutrigenomics is the term used for the study of genes and nutritional requirements. It has been found that food can interact with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNIPs) in our DNA and activate certain genes.
For example, eating shrimp can cause skin allergy while assuming broccoli that is rich in anti cancer properties can activate detoxification.
Grapefruit has naringenin, a flavonoid rich in anti-cancer properties and induce DNA repair on affected cancer cells. The activation of naringenin will stimulate the Base Excision Repair (BER) cellular mechanism in DNA replication stage.
The cancer preventive agent also rich in anti oxidant properties and could lower down cholesterol level in blood by 15%.
Sodium benzoate is a common preservative that is found in processed soft drinks to add flavoring. When tested on DNA of yeast, it could inactivate the DNA in mitochondria completely and later the cell malfunctions completely.
Another study tied the preservative to neuro-degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and also the aging process.
Tocotrienols, the less studied of Vitamin E, may reduce DNA damage in cancer development by 50 percent. This important finding is related to oxidative stress and quenching of oxygen species by Vitamin E.
Eating kiwifruit can be a preventive measure against cancer as it can improve the DNA repair after peroxide is induced for cell damage.
In one sense, the concept of nutrigenomics is already applied in modern medicine. Consider phenylketonuria, for example.
Infants with mutations in the PAH gene, which leads to impaired metabolism of phenylalanine, are fed a low- or no-phenylalanine diet for much of their childhood and usually into their adult life.
Many other genes for simple metabolic disorders are tested in standard newborn screening assessments.
Most diseases, however, are much more complex. Advancing nutrigenomics for these diseases, and for overall health, will require dedicated, focused studies in genetics and epigenetics, as well as increased understanding of how genes, proteins, and epigenetic changes interact within networks and pathways.
Related Articles
Forensic Testing: Using Dna Tests to Solve Crime
By: David Nicholson | 11/06/2008 | Alternative Medicine
DNA is a powerful tool for researching identity - and for solving crimes. Width the advent of DNA profiling, detectives and investigators now hone in on criminals like never before.
Secret Dna Test - 5 Steps to Know Before you Start Dna Testing
By: J.J. Yong | 15/09/2007 | Men's Issues
Find out the five steps to do before you start any DNA samples to the DNA testing centers. How are you going to take DNA samples without upsetting other persons?
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Usual Suspect Genes
By: J.J. Yong | 23/09/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
What are the genes that cause rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? What are the current studies of RA that help to improve the chances of overcoming this disease which has affected mostly middle-aged women.
How Is Dna Testing Done
By: Alex Blake | 11/01/2007 | Advice
DNA testing is done for many different reasons. DNA evidence can link an alleged criminal to a crime scene. DNA paternity and maternity testing can identify a child's father or mother. DNA relationship testing can determine if two individuals are full or half siblings. DNA ancestry testing can determine ethnic...
Forensic Testing: Using Dna Tests to Solve Crime
By: Groshan Fabiola | 01/07/2008 | Free
DNA is a powerful tool for researching identity - and for solving crimes. Width the advent of DNA profiling, detectives and investigators now hone in on criminals like never before
How To Get A DNA Test
By: Alex Blake | 31/01/2007 | Medicine
There are many reasons why you might want to get a DNA test. Although we often see DNA testing used in TV forensics shows, one of the top reasons for getting a DNA test is to determine paternity. DNA paternity testing conclusively determines if a man is the father of...
Cosmetics and Dna
By: J.J. Yong | 30/01/2008 | Science
Think of Pamela Anderson Lee figure model displaying the perfect tone body on billboard advertisements on the highway? Think of photo shopped pictures of celebrities' pictures on pages of magazine? Think of how the plastic surgery enhancement crazes mania amongst the Hollywood celebrities?
Is it Safe to Have Personal Dna Testing?
By: J.J. Yong | 30/01/2008 | Science
More people are likely to know their genetic makeup in this booming DNA testing industry. How safe is DNA testing? Do we need to succumb with the criticisms of DNA testing? Why we should persist with this on-going DNA testing industry?
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does term "sperm fraction" refer to?
By: Terrific | 01-11-2007
What does term "sperm fraction" refer to?
When does DNA replication occur in a cell and why ...
By: da_hinda40 | 28-09-2007
When does DNA replication occur in a cell and why is it necessary?
Here's a scientific question on infidelity
By: JA218 | 26-09-2007
Here's a scientific question on infidelity. The likely scenario: The woman has intercourse, goes to sleep, showers 6 hours later, and puts on fresh underwear with a panty liner. Suspicious husband (me) grabs the liner from the garbage after she returns (14 hours after the shower), sends it in for DNA testing. Testing finds sperm, but only 3 cells, and they were somewhat damaged at that, so no DNA results could be obtained. Does this scenario sound plausible / likely? That is - is this small quantity of leakage likely, and would the DNA be damaged from the "overnight stay" in the body and the long car ride home in a warm place? Thanks!
DNA from a hair
By: Emerald | 14-02-2007
I know you can find out a person's DNA from a hair of his body. Since every cell in our body has DNA nucleus it's reasnoable. But how can a DNA be interpreted from a dead cell such as a hair and it is possible to figure a person's DNA from a nail sample as well? if not, what's the different?
Can you tell what eye color your children will ...
By: Tamir | 25-12-2006
Can you tell what eye color your children will have?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Nutrition Articles
Eight Foods You Should Eat Every Day
By: Sandra Prior | 20/08/2008
Want to be in control of your health? Get energized and live longer; just eat these eight food – along with a little protein such as salmon or lean steak.
The Numerous Benefits of Consuming Fruit
By: Lyla Feldman | 20/08/2008
Everyone has heard that consuming five servings of fruit and vegetables each day is beneficial to your health. But who really knows what does health benefits are?
Tea Is Just The Tonic
By: Shaun Parker | 20/08/2008
An article about the health benefits of tea drinking and how the plant is processed.
Mediterranean Diet
By: Dr John Anne | 20/08/2008
Mediterranean diet is a diet that is taken by the people who lives in the countries of the border of Mediterranean Sea. At least 16 countries border the Mediterranean Sea. A diet that varies between these countries and also between regions within a country comes under the category of Mediterranean diet.
Dummies Guide to the Atkins Diet
By: Steven Bellisle | 20/08/2008
Dr. Robert C. Atkins took the weight loss industry by storm when he published his now famous book "The Atkins Diet". He said to ignore the fat and limit carbohydrates to lose weight. Countless people have had great success with The Atkins Diet. That success speaks volumes.
7 Low Carbohydrate Snacks That You Can Carry Around
By: Chung Leong Yu | 19/08/2008
What are the low carbohydrate snacks that you can carry when you are out? In the present times, people have become so choosy and very calorie conscious about eating food. Maintaining a low carbohydrate diet can be difficult when you're hungry and dinner is hours away. These 7 snacks can help you pull through your though dieting times.
A Quick Lesson on Water Purification Technology
By: Tyler Monesy | 19/08/2008
Water purification technology has come a long way, but many groups (particularly the environmental ones) think it still has a long way to go.
Fiber Has The Power To Push That Bad Stuff Through
By: Dan Boyle | 19/08/2008
The embarrassing little secret that most women, and men, hold close to them... their quest to improve their regularity. Millions turn to the supplement industry to for relief with no idea that natural relief is easy and many times more beneficial.
Would you believe that the common ingredient in these regularity supplements is the same that is used in a lot of the weight loss supplements?
Fiber!
More from J.J. Yong
How to Prepare for the Gmat Examination
By: J.J. Yong | 19/05/2008 | College and University
You've heard all about how hard the GMAT is but you know that it is the only thing that stands between you and the top business schools. What you need to do is prepare for the exam as well as possible. There are some great tools out there that can help you prepare for and pass the exam with flying colors.
Top Ten Reasons Why I Should Start Taking the Gmat Examtop Ten Reasons Why I Should Start Taking the Gmat Exam
By: J.J. Yong | 19/05/2008 | College and University
Many people put off taking the Graduate Management Admission Test a.k.a. GMAT until the last moment. There are many reasons why you should starting taking the GMAT now, or at least take GMAT practice tests. The GMAT is a big step for a lot of people, and it may be a requirement for you to get into a graduate program.
Challenges in an Online MBA Course Program
By: J.J. Yong | 19/05/2008 | Online Education
Many people think that when they sign up for an online MBA course that they will be able to fly through the course and come out the other side with their Master of Business Administration without working. The fact of the matter is that there are a lot of challenges involved in taking an online course and you need to be prepared for them.
How to Become an Online MBA Course Graduate
By: J.J. Yong | 19/05/2008 | Online Education
Have you had someone tell you that just received their certified MBA? Are you now wondering how this person was able to complete their education while holding down a job? If you asked you would probably find that your friend graduated from an online course as this is a way that many people are able to get their degree and better their life, all without stepping foot into a classroom.
What Else Do I Need to Face When I'm Short Listed for an Online MBA Course?
By: J.J. Yong | 19/05/2008 | Online Education
When you are interested in an online MBA course you may need to apply in advance to hopefully be accepted. The time will come when the online business school will announce who has been accepted and who has been short listed. If you have been short listed you may be wondering what else you need to face in the process of trying to get your post-graduate business course.
Stop Worrying About Being Obsolete by Taking an Online MBA Course
By: J.J. Yong | 19/05/2008 | Online Education
When you are going through schooling you always have to think about getting an education but you also have to make sure that you are getting an education that is relevant to what is going on in the world right now. You can stop worrying about being obsolete when you take an online MBA course.
Secrets of Passing the Online MBA Exam
By: J.J. Yong | 19/05/2008 | Online Education
Do you need to take the online MBA exam and you are wondering how you can possibly pass the course to get the certified MBA that you need to get where you want to go in life? The secrets of passing an online MBA course or exam are the same, it's all about preparation.
Online MBA Course - Your Ticket to Success
By: J.J. Yong | 19/05/2008 | Online Education
Did you finish up your bachelors degree a few years ago and decide that you needed to get a job to pay off some debt and then you would go back and get your MBA? Have you waited too long to go back and now you are starting to feel like you'll never reach the level of success that you had always hoped for?
Health 
