Genes: The role of polyphenols

If you are chasing big ideas in health, among the most powerful ideas is that your genes are not your fate. You may have inherited your genes, but how they behave is in your hands.

It is called epigenetics or gene expression.

Your lifestyle, your sleep, your stress, and especially your food can either switch genes on or off.

This is where polyphenols come in.

Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants. They act like tiny messengers talking directly to your cells. They don’t change your DNA, but they change how your DNA is read.

If you think about it, that is extraordinary. You can literally shape the way your genes behave just by eating the right foods.

Allow me to explain with a few examples.

Curcumin, the bright yellow compound in turmeric, is one of the most researched polyphenols in the world. It works by calming NF-κB, a molecule that triggers inflammation.

When NF-κB is chronically switched on, your body is constantly on fire. Your joints hurt. Your cells age faster. Your risk for disease goes up.

Resveratrol, found in red grapes and peanuts, activates SIRT1, a longevity gene. The same gene switches on when you fast or exercise.

That’s why people sometimes call resveratrol something that mimics calorie restriction. It helps your cells repair themselves more efficiently, which is essential for healthy ageing.

Green tea contains EGCG, a polyphenol that improves insulin sensitivity, fat metabolism, and detoxification. It also activates Nrf2, your body’s primary antioxidant pathway.

When Nrf2 switches on, your cells become better at repairing daily wear and tear.

A cup of green tea does much more than you think.

Your food is not just calories. It is information. Every bite you take signals your genes. Both good and bad information.

So if you think it’s only food, and it is meant for pleasure, perhaps this will change your mind.

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