Fruits and Vegetables Positively Improve Weak Cardio Gene

One of the most common gene weaknesses in individuals with cardiovascular disease in a genetic variant referred to as 9p21. A new study with 27,000 people evaluated the influence of diet on this gene variant. It found that raw vegetables in particular, but fruits, berries, and vegetables in general, could drastically reduce the gene weakness so that cardio disease risk was virtually eliminated.

“We observed that the effect of a high-risk genotype can be mitigated by consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables,” said Sonia Anand, joint principal investigator of the study, and a researcher at the Population Health Research Institute and a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University. “Our results support the public health recommendation to consume more than five servings of fruits or vegetables as a way to promote good health.”

This study shows that while gene weaknesses can predict risk for disease, such risk is never written in stone. Genes are pliable, they can be influenced. A good diet has a profoundly beneficial impact on supporting proper gene signaling – even when genes have mutations. This means that while your parent’s and grandparent’s health problems are worth noting, you can take steps to proactively support your health that can compensate for weaknesses.

On the other hand, if you chose a negligent lifestyle and consistent poor eating, it is likely that the genetic weak links in your chain will be your downfall.