Nutrition and your DNA: What is epigenetics?

Posted by admin

August 25, 2012

You’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” While there is truth behind that statement, epigenetics show diet may also influence your DNA and the DNA of future generations. That means, your grandchildren are what you eat. Now that’s a scary thought! Could your poor diet choices translate to health issues for your grandchildren? According to studies in epigenetics, the answer is yes.

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics is an emerging science, and Duke University Professor, Randy Jirtle, answers the question of what epigenetics is in easy-to-understand terms. He compares the DNA double helix structure to the hardware of a computer, and the emigenome to the software. “It tells the computer when, where, and how to work.” The science of epigenetics takes a look at the “programs” established in our cells at the DNA level. It is this science that has provided evidence that there is something more than genetics that passes on to the next generation.

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