Abstract 

Avocados, being high fiber-dense,  play a crucial role in weight loss by suppressing the appetite and promoting metabolic health. A recent study has reported that an avocado a day could help redistribute belly fat in women towards a healthier profile. The study further reported that avocados could also impact the way body fat is stored.  

The Types Of Abdominal Fat

There are two types of abdominal fat in the human body. 

The fat present right underneath the skin is called subcutaneous fat. 

The fat stored in the deeper layers is called visceral fat. 

Image: Types of abdominal fat

Subcutaneous fat can be pinched, but the visceral fat can only be seen and measured and not pinched.

Several factors are responsible for the accumulation of belly fat, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. 

However, improving nutrition, increasing activity, and making other lifestyle changes can help in losing the accumulated fat.

Health complications from subcutaneous fat are more harmful than complications from visceral fat. 

Excess belly fat can increase the risk of:

• Heart diseases, including heart attacks
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Asthma
• Dementia

Health Benefits Of Avocado

It is very easy to dismiss the weight loss properties of avocados due to their high-fat content. 

However, the fact that its fat is healthy contributes significantly to its weight loss features.

Avocados help in weight loss in different ways. 

• The high levels of healthy fat present in avocados can make people feel fuller between meals. 
• In addition, eating good fat slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates which helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
• Avocados are high in both fat and fiber - eating foods that are rich in fat and fiber will lead to a feeling of fullness and loss of appetite.

The Study - The Effects Of Avocado On Abdominal Fat

A randomized controlled trial was conducted by Naiman A Khan at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study the redistribution of belly fat by eating avocados. 

The study included 105 overweight and obese adults. 

The participants were given one meal per day for 12 weeks.

One group received a fresh avocado in their daily diet. 

The other group ate a similar diet without avocado.

The participants’ glucose tolerance (a measure of metabolism) and abdominal fat were measured at the beginning and end of 12 weeks.

The following observations were made:

• Women who consumed avocado as a part of their daily diet showed a reduction in their visceral abdominal fat
• The fat distribution in men remained the same
• The glucose tolerance showed no improvements in both the genders

The researchers hope to conduct a follow-up trial where they plan to observe the changes in the gut and physical health in response to avocado consumption. 

These results can aid nutritionists and other healthcare professionals in providing better dietary recommendations to reduce fat storage and lower diabetes risk.

The Best Ways To Consume Avocados To Reduce Fat 

• The simplest way to enjoy avocados is by sprinkling a pinch of salt and pepper over them 
• Avocados can be topped with crumbled, cooked bacon and seasoned  with fresh herbs and spices like parsley 
• Using pureed avocado as a spread on toast and sandwiches adds extra vitamins and minerals 
• Avocado fries can make a savory side dish or a substitute for potato fries
• Avocado can be used as a vegan substitute for butter, eggs, and oil in baking

Summary

• Avocados are an excellent source to reduce fat due to their high fiber content. 
• A recent study has found that an avocado a day can help in the redistribution of belly fat.
• According to the study, women who consumed avocado as a part of their daily diet showed a reduction in their visceral abdominal fat.

References

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210907110702.htm

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/avocados-health-benefits-nutrition-facts-weight-loss-info-more/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270406

Gene Nutrition Report: Free Walkthrough

Get Nutrition & Diet Insights from Your 23andMe, AncestryDNA Raw Data!

Abstract

Whole grains (WG) offer a complete package of health benefits, unlike refined grains (RG), which are stripped off of valuable nutrients during the refining process. RG intake is associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Therefore, choosing WG over RG grains improves health in many ways. In this regard, a recent study has found that WG intake is tied to fewer heart disease risk factors.

Health Benefits of Whole Grains

WG comprises all the three parts of the grain, i.e. endosperm, germ, and bran. 

They have been a part of the human diet for thousands of years. 

They are a rich source of carbohydrates, multiple nutrients, and dietary fiber. 

Some Of The Common Varieties Of WG Include:

• Oatmeal
• Millet
• Brown rice
• Whole rye
• Wild rice
• Wheatberry

Consumption of fiber-rich foods offers not only high nutrition but also prevents overeating. 

WG and their products are more nutritious than RG and thus lower the risk of obesity. 

The magnesium found in WG helps your body to break down carbs.

This helps increase insulin sensitivity, thereby, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

According to research, WG bread and cereals are specifically linked to reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.

Also Read: Do Whole Grains Trigger Gluten Sensitivity?

The Study - Why Whole Grains Are The Best Option?

Framingham Offspring Cohort Study examined the association between WG and RG intake in 3121 participants. 

The changes in waist circumference (WC), fasting HDL, triglycerides, glucose concentration, and blood pressure of the participants were recorded.

• Greater WG intake was associated with a minor increase in WC, fasting glucose concentration, and systolic blood pressure per 4-year interval.
• The changes in WC was more prominent in women compared to men.
• Greater RG intake was associated with a more significant increase in WC and less decline in triglyceride concentration.

Replacing RG with WG among middle to older-aged adults can be an effective dietary change to reduce the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases.

How To Enjoy More Whole Wheat Grains In Your Diet?

• Make sandwiches using WG bread or rolls.
• Replace white rice with quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, barley, or bulgur.
• Use rolled oats or crushed whole-wheat bran cereals in recipes instead of dry bread crumbs.
• Substitute pastries with low-fat muffins made with WG cereals, such as oatmeal.
• Substitute plain bagels with WG bagels.

Summary

• A high intake of refined grains (RG) is linked to health problems like obesity and inflammation butwhole grains (WG) are different.
• A recent study has found that replacing RG with WG can lower blood pressure and fasting glucose concentration.
• The study suggested that this dietary change could help reduce the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases in middle-aged and older adults. 

References

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-09-grain-intake-tied-heart-disease.html

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/reap-the-benefits-of-whole-grains

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27301975/

Gene Nutrition Report: Free Walkthrough

Get Nutrition & Diet Insights from Your 23andMe, AncestryDNA Raw Data!

Abstract

Cardiometabolic diseases include cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke, angina, and metabolic conditions like insulin resistance, type II diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Over the years, low-fat diets have been embraced due to their health effects. But emerging evidence shows that low-carb diets may be just as effective. Recent research has suggested that low-carb diets have been shown to improve cardiometabolic risk profile.

Low-Fat vs. Low-Carb

In the last 50 years, the medical community has encouraged low-fat diets to avoid the effects of saturated fats on the heart. So low-fat and fat-free foods have been majorly circulating on the grocery shelves; however, many of these foods happen to be high in processed carbs.

However, recently many studies and healthcare professionals have been challenging this thought process. This has led to the emergence of the ketogenic diet.

A ketogenic diet is a very low carb, high-fat diet, restricting intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, baked goods, candies, and sweets. 

Some versions may also limit healthy carb sources, such as grains, starchy vegetables, high-carb fruits, pasta, and legumes.

The diet is high in protein, fat, and healthy vegetables. They may increase good cholesterol levels and decrease blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

Other than helping with weight loss, low-carb diets increase good cholesterol levels, reduce blood sugar levels, lower triglyceride levels, and keep your metabolism in control.

Please note: Some harmful effects like fatigue, kidney stones, headache, loss in muscle tissue have been reported with low-carb diets. Consult a qualified nutritionist before making any significant dietary changes. 

Low-Carb Diets May Lower Risk of Cardiometabolic Disease Risk: A New Study

The Boston Children's Hospital led a large clinical trial to examine the effects of a low-carb diet on cardiometabolic disease risk. 

The study included 164 adults who were overweight or obese. The participants had already lost 10-14 percent of their body weight by undergoing a reduced-calorie diet.

The participants were randomly assigned one of these three diets:

• Low-carb diet (20% carbs, 60% fat, 20% protein)
• Moderate-carb diet (40% carbs, 40% fat, 20% protein)
• High-carb diet (60% carbs, 20% fat, 20% protein)

The participants received their customized meals, thus ensuring that all of them rigidly followed the protocol. 

In all the prepared meals, saturated fats comprised 35% of the total fat present. In the low-carb meal, saturated fat contributed to 21% of the calories, and in the high-carb meal, it contributed to 7% of the calories.

Study Findings

Compared to the lower-fat higher-carb diets, the low-carb diet had the following benefits:

• Improved blood lipids range related to cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance
• Increased levels of adiponectin - the hormone that promotes insulin sensitivity
• Reduced the risk of atherosclerosis (caused by plaque build up inside arteries)
• Reduced lipoprotein (protein and fat-containing substances that carry cholesterol through your bloodstream) levels

Though this study was done on adults, the researchers say that low-carb diets may benefit children too. In fact, pediatric cardiologists are also starting to embrace low-carb diets.

 Tips To Follow Low-Carb Diet 

• Limit starchy vegetables, soft drinks, fruit juices, agave, candy, ice cream, and other products that contain added sugar
• Include low-carb snacks like hard-boiled eggs, unsweetened yogurt, baby or regular carrots, and a handful of nuts in between the meals
• Substitute of taco shells with lettuce leaves, buns with portobello mushroom caps, noodles with spaghetti squash, pasta with zucchini ribbons 

Summary

• Cardiometabolic risk factors are a group of conditions that often occur together and are a significant cause of heart diseases.
• Low-carb diets like ketogenic diets aid weight loss, reduce triglyceride and blood sugar levels, and help maintain a healthy metabolism.
• A study reported that a low-carb diet was more beneficial in terms of lowering the risk of cardiometabolic diseases than low-fat diets.

References

• https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-09-low-carb-diet-shown-cardiometabolic-profile.html
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/heart/depts/cardiometabolic-health
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-carb-diet-meal-plan-and-menu

Abstract

Diet is as important to mental health as it is to physical health. Previous studies have reported that the "traditional" dietary pattern, loaded with vegetable oil, meat, salt, and organ meat, is associated with increased odds of anxiety and depression in women. A recent study by researchers at the Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Duisburg, Germany, has reported higher depression scores among vegetarians than non-vegetarians.  

What is Depression?

Depression is a common yet serious mental condition that negatively impacts how you feel, the way you think and act. Depression occurs as a result of a combination of social, psychological, and biological factors. 

Some of the common symptoms of depression are :

• Feeling of hopelessness
• Increased fatigue and sleep troubles
• Irritability (more often noted in men)
• Unexplained weight gain/loss
• Appetite changes

The Link between Depression and Diet

Depression susceptibility is related to diet both directly and indirectly. Unhealthy eating patterns can cause mood swings. When you stick to a healthy diet, you are setting yourself up for fewer mood fluctuations. 

In particular, sugar is considered a major culprit. When consumed in higher quantities, it causes a temporary spike in 'feel-good' hormones like dopamine, which is not good for your health. In addition, the fleeting sugar rush followed by a crash is terrible for your mood.

Video

Link between Vegetarianism And Depression 

A German research team conducted a meta-analysis on depression and vegetarian diet. 

Meta-analysis refers to a procedure where the information collected from different experiments (with the same objective) is put together and studied. This combines the results of multiple studies to form a conclusion.

The analysis included data from 49,889 participants, of which 8,057 were vegetarians, and 41,832 were non-vegetarians. The large sample size makes this a robust study.

The researchers observed a higher depression score among vegetarians when compared to the non-vegetarians. But there was no causal relationship observed between them. That is, there was no proof that a vegetarian diet directly causes depressive moods. Depression didn't seem to increase a person's chance of adopting a vegetarian diet either. 

This study, however, showed that it might be more likely that people switch to a vegetarian diet after developing mental health issues. The researchers cite three possible reasons for this:

• People with mental health issues may try to adopt a vegetarian diet to positively influence their minds.
• People with depression may develop more empathy towards animals’ sufferings, and this may cause them to avoid meat.
• People with mental health issues may generally be anxious about their health and switch to a vegetarian diet since it is perceived as a “healthy diet.”

Dietary Recommendations To Improve Your Mental Health

• Steer clear of processed snacks such chips as potato chips that can impair your ability to concentrate.
• Focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables along with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon
• Maintain a healthy weight and make sure to exercise daily.

Summary

• There is a complex relationship between our mental health and our dietary patterns.
• A recent study has found that vegetarians are more likely to be depressed than non-vegetarians.
• According to the study, vegetarians showed higher depression scores than nonvegetarians. 
• It is not clear whether depressive moods lead to a higher probability of becoming a vegetarian or a vegetarian diet increases the risk of depression. 
• Limiting the intake of processed snacks, including more fruits and vegetables in your diet, and maintaining a healthy weight with regular exercises are some ways to improve your mental wellbeing. 
• According to the study, there was no proof that depression leads to vegetarianism and a vegetarian diet directly causes depression moods.
• People switch to a vegetarian diet after undergoing mental health issues.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721007771
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/food-and-mood-is-there-a-connection

Sugar And Dopamine

What is it about sugary foods that just make our mouths water? There's actually a scientific explanation for this salivation!  The term 'sugar' refers to a class of carbohydrate molecules that include glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, dextrose, and starch.

So, how does your brain react to these sugar molecules? As soon as the sugar hits the tongue, it activates the sweet receptors. They, in turn, send a signal to the specific region of the cerebral cortex in the brain. The signal activates the reward system in the brain, which is a series of chemical reactions. This “reward” is communicated through the release of dopamine, which is popularly known as the “happy hormone.” 

The Food-Reward System

Incidentally, food-reward is a common form of animal training routines. An animal is rewarded with a treat when it performs certain actions, and animal trainers routinely use this programming of food-reward in zoos and entertainment venues and other animal training facilities. Basically, when you feel this sense of reward, your brain motivates you to "do it again"!

Interestingly, food is not the only thing that activates this reward system. Drugs, sexual behavior, and socializing have all been studied to stimulate this sense of reward. 

Dopamine Overdrive

While the reward system induces pleasurable feelings, overactivation of this system is really not good for the body! Overconsumption of drugs can send our body into dopamine overdrive, which leads to the sense of 'feeling high.' 

Non-sugary foods, like your veggies, have no effect on dopamine. Thus, when you eat a balanced meal every day, your dopamine levels begin to level out. This will make you want to include more varieties of foods in your diet. How does this happen?

Our brains are tuned to be attentive to different kinds of tastes for two reasons - to be able to detect spoilt food and to seek out different nutrients our body needs for healthy functioning. 

With sugar-rich foods, the dopamine levels never level out, and as a result, we do not tend to seek new foods. This can put you at risk for health conditions like diabetes and obesity, and various nutritional deficiencies. 

Genetics and Sweet Taste Preference

Your preference for sweet foods is influenced by the sweet taste receptors in your tongue. Their expression, in turn, is influenced by the TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 genes. If you have a higher expression of the sweet taste receptors, you are likely to be more sensitive to the sweet taste and hence consume less sweet foods. 

Getting a Genetic Test

You can identify your tendency to prefer a specific taste by studying your genetic makeup. All you need is your genetic ancestry test raw data to get started! You can upload this file and order a nutrition report.

Xcode Life then analyzes your raw data in detail to provide you with comprehensive nutrition analysis, including your genetic preference for various tastes.

Video

Does your face turn red after a couple of sips of wine? Do you sense facial flushing whenever you go out for drinks? This facial flushing is technically known as the alcohol flush reaction. It is caused by a genetic fault known as ALDH2 deficiency or Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 deficiency.

Nearly 36% of the East Asian population has ALDH2 deficiency. Due to its high prevalence among Asians, it is also called the Asian Glow.

Alcohol Flush Reaction

What is this deficiency, and what does drinking have to do with it? 

It's all linked to how your body processes alcohol. When you drink, most of the alcohol is taken to the liver and converted into acetaldehyde by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase. Acetaldehyde is a dangerous chemical compound, classified as a group 1 carcinogen, or cancer-causing substance, by the WHO. A build-up of acetaldehyde takes a bad toll on the body.

But, don't worry, our body has a way to fight this. The savior is the ALDH2 enzyme, which converts the harmful acetaldehyde to acetic acid. Acetic acid is not harmful to the cells. But this defense mechanism doesn't guarantee a free pass to drink all you want. If you're ALDH2 deficient, the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetic acid happens at an extremely slow pace. This may result in a rapid build-up of acetaldehyde in the body. Other than a dreadful hangover, this can also cause flushing, headaches, vomiting, and heart palpitations.

The major concern is the increase in the risk of esophageal and head and neck cancer due to acetaldehyde accumulation. According to a study, if an ALDH2 deficient person drinks less than two cans of beer every day, the risk of esophageal cancer is 40 times higher than a normal person. If the same person drinks more than two cans a day, the risk increases by 400 times.  When combined with smoking, the risk further increases. The acetaldehyde produced by burning tobacco is seven times more than the amount from drinking.

Test For ALDH2 Deficiency At Home

You can find out all by yourself. All you need is a band-aid and some strong alcohol or liquor.

1. Apply some of the alcohol on a band-aid.
2. Relax and stretch your arm out like you’re showing off your muscles.
3. Put the band-aid on your arm and wait for 15 minutes. 
4. Remove the band-aid when it’s time. If you find some redness, you’re likely to be deficient.

This is obviously not a 100% accurate diagnosis. 

If you are looking for a diagnosis, a genetic test would be the way to go!

Alcohol Flush/ALDH2 Deficiency Genetic Test

Genetic tests can help find out if you carry faulty genes that may increase your risk for alcohol flush. Most genetic tests provide your DNA information in the form of a text file called the raw DNA data. This data may seem like Greek and Latin to you.

We can help you out at Xcode Life and interpret all this information for you. All you have to do is upload your raw data and order a nutrition report. Xcode Life then analyzes your raw data in detail to provide you with comprehensive nutrition analysis, including details on Alcohol Flush Reaction!

Video

What Is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 also called Ubiquinol is a natural antioxidant found in all cells of the body. It plays an important role in metabolism. It is a coenzyme, meaning it helps enzymes work more effectively. 

CoQ10 is stored in the powerhouse of the cell, the mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy. This coenzyme plays a major role in mitochondrial bioenergetics. It helps transport electrons in the mitochondria to facilitate the process of producing ATP, which is the main source of energy for cells. 

As an antioxidant, CoQ10 protects the cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. Oxidative damage can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and cell death. 

CoQ10 levels are higher in the brain, heart, kidneys, muscle, and liver. These are the organs that have many mitochondria as they need a lot of energy for functioning. 

CoQ10 is found in two forms, ubiquinol, and ubiquinone. Ubiquinol is the active form and performs various functions like reducing oxidative damage. Ubiquinone is the oxidized version.

Effects of Low CoQ10 Levels

CoQ10 is naturally produced in the body. The levels of CoQ10 decrease with age. Several disease conditions also interfere with the levels of CoQ10. In these cases, people usually take CoQ10 in the form of supplements.  

People with CoQ10 deficiency experience physical fatigue and muscle weakness, even while doing less intense physical activities like walking. It can also lead to mental fatigue, affect your memory and ability to concentrate. 

CoQ10 deficiency limits the body’s ability to fight against oxidative damage and this may lead to faster progression of health conditions linked to oxidative stress.

Lower levels of CoQ10 have been linked to nutrient deficiencies, heart diseases in patients who take statin drugs to lower their cholesterol levels, and other disease conditions.

Coenzyme Q10 and Exercise

Research shows that CoQ10 supplementation can improve power, recovery after exercise, reduce oxidative damage, and increase energy. 

Training can lead to oxidative stress in the muscles. CoQ10, being an antioxidant, can decrease oxidative stress in cells and improve mitochondrial function to provide energy and fuel your workout.

Studies show that CoQ10 can increase exercise performance by reducing fatigue and increasing power.

Genetics of Coenzyme Q10 Levels

Mutations in genes involved in CoQ10 production are found to interfere with levels of CoQ10.

NQO1 Gene

The NQO1 gene encodes for the NAPDH quinone dehydrogenase 1 protein. This protein is involved in the reduction of Coenzyme Q10. Variations in this gene affect levels of CoQ10.

rs1800566

The CoQ10 levels of TC carriers were found to be significantly lower than CC carriers.

Non-Genetic Factors That Affect CoQ10 Levels

Age: Production of CoQ10 naturally in the body decreases with age.

Health conditions: Certain nutritional deficiencies, heart disease, brain disorders, cancer, diabetes are associated with low levels of CoQ10.

Statin medications: Statin is commonly used to treat high cholesterol in people with heart diseases. Statins block the production of CoQ10 and can lead to CoQ10 deficiency. 

Recommendations

CoQ10 is naturally produced in the body. People with certain disease conditions take supplements to help with treatment. Athletes generally take CoQ10 supplements to improve their performance. CoQ10 can be supplemented through diet or medication.

Dietary Sources of CoQ10

Food sources of CoQ10 include

• Organ meats
• Fatty fish
• Seafood like shrimps and scallops
• Vegetables like parsley, soybeans, cauliflower, spinach, and broccoli
• Nuts and seeds like pistachios and sesame seeds
• Soybean oil, canola oil
• Legumes like lentils and peanuts
• Fruits like oranges and strawberries 

Coenzyme Q10 Supplements

There are various CoQ10 supplements available in the market in the form of tablets. CoQ10 supplements are generally safe and have minimal side effects. 

Make sure to talk to a healthcare professional about the correct dosage and possible side effects of taking these supplements. CoQ10 supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of certain other drugs like blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and thyroid medication that are used to treat health conditions.

Summary

1. Coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant found in all cells of the body. It plays an important role in energy production processes that take place in the mitochondria. It also protects cells from oxidative damage.
2. Lower levels of CoQ10 are linked to certain disease conditions and can lead to muscle weakness, increased physical and mental fatigue. Lower levels also limit the body’s ability to fight oxidative damage. 
3. CoQ10 supplementation is found to improve power, recovery after exercise, reduce oxidative damage, and increase energy levels. It can protect cells from oxidative stress that increases on training. 
4. Carriers of the TC genotype of SNP rs1800566 found in the NQO1 gene were found to have significantly lower CoQ10 levels than the CC genotype.
5. Production of CoQ10 decreases with age. Statin medications and health conditions like heart disease, cancer, brain disorders, and diabetes are associated with lower levels of CoQ10. 
6. CoQ10 can be supplemented through diet or medication. CoQ10 rich food sources include organ meat, fatty fish, soybeans, broccoli, oranges, lentils, peanuts, sesame seeds, and pistachios. Talk to a healthcare professional to find the correct dosage of supplement suited for your body and to avoid potential side effects. 

Video

References

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/coenzyme-q10

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coenzyme-q10#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1

https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-coenzymeq10-coq10#1

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-coenzyme-q10/art-20362602

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21774831/

Abstract

Coffee is a popular beverage consumed worldwide. The main constituent of coffee is caffeine, a natural stimulant that helps you stay alert by stimulating the central nervous system. 

Previous studies indicate that caffeine consumption has various health benefits such as offering protection against diabetes and heart disease, improving gut bacteria, and reducing the risk of cancer. However, a recent study suggests that individuals with a risk of cardiovascular disease subconsciously reduce their coffee consumption.

Is caffeine bad for your heart?

While some studies suggest that caffeine consumption can help maintain heart health and blood vessel function, others report the opposite. 

A study found that consuming large amounts of coffee regularly contributes to aortic stiffness. Aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body, carrying blood from the heart.

Factors that influence the impact caffeine has on your heart health include:

• The amount of caffeine consumed
• The rate at which caffeine is cleared out from the body (caffeine metabolism)
• Existing health conditions

Is caffeine consumption genetic?

CYP1A2 is the most commonly researched gene for caffeine metabolism. This gene produces the CYP enzymes that are involved in clearing out caffeine from the body. Some people have an error in this gene, which results in impaired caffeine metabolism. Studies suggest that this leads to an increased risk of heart attacks.

Heart Symptoms May Influence How Much Coffee People Drink

A research study, led by Professor Elina Hyppönen, examined the effect of cardiovascular health on coffee consumption. 

The study was conducted using information from 390,435 European ancestry participants, aged 39 to 73 years, taken from the UK Biobank. 

Participants reported their regular coffee consumption. The following parameters were also noted:

• Blood pressure measure
• Heart rate
• Cardiovascular symptoms

What Did The Study Observe?

Participants with chest pains, hypertension, or irregular heartbeats were more likely to be non-habitual or decaffeinated coffee drinkers compared to those who did not report such symptoms.

In genetic analyses, a higher resting heart rate was linked with increased chances of an individual being a decaffeinated coffee drinker. Higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also associated with lower caffeinated coffee consumption. These causal relationships were supported by consistent evidence from genetic studies.

The Conclusion Of The Study

The findings of the study showed that genetics actively regulates our coffee consumption and protects us from consuming too much. It explains how people subconsciously self-monitor caffeine levels based on how high their blood pressure is, which is likely a result of a protective genetic mechanism.

This implies that someone who consumed high amounts of coffee is likely to be more genetically tolerant to caffeine, as compared to someone who drank less coffee. Conversely, a non-coffee drinker, or an individual who consumes decaffeinated coffee, is more prone to the ill effects of caffeine.

Consuming Caffeine The Safe Way

• Avoid drinking more than 4 cups of coffee per day 
• Opt for alternatives with lower caffeine content like tea or cocoa
• Avoid consuming caffeine after midday
• Try different coffee brews to understand your tolerance
• Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach

Summary

• Some studies suggest that caffeine consumption can help maintain heart health, while others report the opposite.
• The CYP1A2 gene is the most commonly researched gene for caffeine metabolism. It produces the CYP enzymes involved in clearing out caffeine from the body. An error in this gene results in impaired caffeine metabolism.
• A recent study was conducted to understand the effect of cardiovascular health on coffee consumption. 
• Findings of the study showed that genetics actively regulates coffee consumption. It explains how a protective genetic mechanism enabled people who had high blood pressure and cardio-vascular symptoms to subconsciously self-regulate caffeine intake.
• Limiting caffeine consumption and opting for other low-caffeine alternatives helps maintain safe levels of caffeine consumption.

What is Cilantro?

Cilantro is a herb popularly used in cooking. The names cilantro and coriander are commonly used interchangeably. Both cilantro and coriander come from the same plant species, Coriandrum sativum. The nutrient profiles of the plant and seed are different.

In North America, cilantro refers to the leaves and stem, while coriander refers to the seeds. In other countries like India, coriander refers to the leaves and stem, and the seeds are called coriander seeds. Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander.

Cilantro has a fragrant, citrusy flavor. The coriander seeds have a warm, spicy, earthy aroma with a hint of citrus. It is usually paired with cumin and used as a base ingredient for making spice mixes.

What is Cilantro Taste Aversion?

Even though cilantro is properly used in several cuisines all over the world, some people do not like the taste of it. They find the taste soapy and revolting. This is termed as Cilantro Taste Aversion.

Even the famous American chef, Julia Child, did not have a liking for cilantro. She said the best way to deal with it in food is to pick it up and throw it on the floor.

Cilantro contains several aldehydes. Aldehydes taste soapy in nature. People with cilantro taste aversion perceive the taste of these aldehydes found in cilantro.

The number of people with this aversion is less in Central America and India, where this herb is very popular. Nearly 20% of the East Asian population are found to experience the soapy-taste of cilantro.

Why do some people hate the taste of cilantro but others don’t?
The answer to this question lies in genes.

Genetics and Cilantro Taste Aversion

Cilantro taste preference can be explained by genetics. The olfactory receptors influence our sense of smell, which directly alters our taste perception. Variations in olfactory-receptor genes can affect the way we perceive the taste of certain food items.

OR6A2 Gene

The OR6A2 gene is an olfactory-receptor gene. It carries instructions for the production of Olfactory Receptor Family 6 Subfamily A Member 2 protein. This protein has a high-binding affinity to soapy-flavored aldehydes like the ones found in cilantro. Individuals with an aversion to the taste of cilantro are found to have a variation in this gene.

rs72921001
rs72921001 is a single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP in the OR6A2 gene. Individuals with the A allele of this gene are at a lower risk of detecting a soapy taste.

Recommendations

The best way to deal with the soapy taste of cilantro is to avoid using it in meals or picking it out of your plate as Julia Child said.

Certain other ways to deal with this include

Some restaurants use a mix of parsley, tarragon, and dill. Lime of lemon zest can be used to substitute for the bright, citrusy flavor of cilantro. Carrot tops, mint, basil, or Thai basil are also used in certain dishes.

Microgreens are becoming increasingly popular. Micro cilantro tastes less soapy than mature cilantro leaves. Coriander seeds may also have a more palatable flavor compared to cilantro.

Crushing cilantro may help eliminate the soapy-tasting aldehydes. Using cilantro in chutneys and sauces dampens the soapy flavor and can help you get used to the herb.

A walkthrough of the Xcode Life Gene Nutrition report

Xcode Life's Gene Nutrition report covers traits like cilantro taste aversion and 40 other traits.

Summary

1. Cilantro is a herb commonly used in several cuisines around the world. Generally, cilantro has a fresh, fragrant, and citrusy flavor. Cilantro generally refers to the leaves and stem of the plant, while coriander refers to the seeds.
2. Certain people do not have a liking for cilantro. It tastes like soap to them. This is because they taste the aldehydes present in this herb. The aldehydes give it a soapy taste that is perceived by certain people.
3. Cilantro taste aversion is linked to a change in the OR6A2 gene. This is an olfactory receptor gene. Olfactory receptors are responsible for the sense of smell which affects taste also.
4. People who do not like the taste of cilantro are found to have the CC genotype of SNP rs72921001 found in the OR6A2 gene. Carries of the A allele are at a lower risk of detecting this soapy taste.
5. The best way to deal with this taste aversion is to avoid the herb. You can also use other herbs as substitutes while cooking.

References

https://arxiv.org/abs/1209.2096
https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2044-7248-1-22
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277627
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cilantro-vs-coriander#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-cilantro-taste-like-soap-to-some-people
https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/cilantro-love-hate-genetic-trait/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/voraciously/wp/2019/07/08/how-to-manage-or-even-conquer-your-cilantro-hatred/