In recent years the vegetarian diet has become a global trend. Its proponents are saying it is a choice that has a positive impact on not only our health but also our environment and society. But for those who have lived off of mostly plant-based food for centuries, this impact goes even deeper, right down to their genes.
In people from India, Africa and parts of Eastern Asia researchers from Cornell University have found a particulate version of the FADS gene which gives the predominantly plant-based nations a significant benefit in obtaining essential nutrients. It was dubbed the “vegetarian gene.”
In short, it enables a more effective conversion of omega fatty acids from plant-based fats to their functional forms like EPA and DHA from which our body can benefit!
If you’re a vegetarian and looking for easy, healthy meal recipes, check out these meal ideas from our nutrition experts. Hint: they’re adjusted to your genes, even if you carry a vegetarian one!
The omega fatty acids
We all know people who pop food supplement pills like candy. And among the most popular are omega-3 pills. Let’s take a look at what they are and what role do they play. Omega-3 acids, a type of unsaturated fatty acids, are an essential nutrient our body doesn’t produce; therefore, we need to get it from food. They are important for cardiovascular health and proper functioning of the nervous system. Studies show that daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids helps our body control blood pressure and triglyceride levels, while also being an anti-inflammatory agent.
The most important omega-3 fatty acids are ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Balanced nutrition usually covers our body’s demand for ALA, which can be found in many plants and plant oils. But EPA and DHA are another story because they are limited to fatty fish and algae. In our body, ALA is the precursor of EPA and DHA.
