Genes May Influence Whether You Want to Become a Vegetarian: New Study
A recent study in the scientific journal PLOS One sheds light on the relationship between genetics and dietary choices in the United States. According to the study, less than 5% of the US population identifies as vegetarian, and of these, between half and two-thirds consume fish, poultry or red meat on occasion.
Researchers have raised the possibility that genetic factors influence the decision to follow a vegetarian diet or not. To explore this hypothesis, participants were recruited from the UK Biobank, a database comprising around 500,000 people.
Samples, including blood, were also collected from each participant to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are common genetic variations that affect a wide range of biological characteristics, from eye color to disease susceptibility.
The study included 5,324 vegetarians and 329,455 people in the control group. SNPs from both groups were analyzed to determine if certain SNPs were associated with choosing a vegetarian diet. The researchers identified 11 specific genes that could be related to vegetarianism.
Also Read: Scientists Find the Impact of Genes Related to Diseases Such As Autism
There is no direct relationship between deciding to be vegan and the nature of your genes
However, it is important to note that this study does not demonstrate a causal relationship between these SNPs and the choice of a vegetarian diet. Megan Wroe, wellness manager and registered dietitian, emphasized that having these SNPs in a genetic evaluation does not necessarily mean that you should follow a vegetarian diet or that you will experience negative effects if you do not.
Factors such as lifestyle, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins also play an important role in health. Additionally, experts noted that this study has limitations, as the data was based on dietary questionnaires and food recalls, which may not be completely reliable.
The participants were mostly women, older, healthier and of a higher socioeconomic level, which makes the results not generalizable to the entire population.
Despite these limitations, dietary choice is an important health issue. Although the study defines vegetarianism as not consuming meat or animal products, many experts do not recommend a strict vegan diet for most people.
Instead, they suggest options such as vegetarian, Pescatarian, or omnivorous diets with small portions of sustainably raised meat.
Lower Risks With a Vegan Diet
Vegetarian diets have potential health benefits, such as a lower risk of chronic diseases, weight control, and better digestion due to increased consumption of fiber, micronutrients, and antioxidants.
However, it is important to note that a vegetarian diet can lead to deficiencies of nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as inadequate protein intake.
Diet choices should be tailored to personal preferences, cultural factors, and individual health goals. There is no one way to eat that is right for everyone, and it is important to find a diet that works for each person.
Experts also advise, for example, reducing consumption of factory-farmed meat and opting for lean meats, chicken, turkey and fish. Likewise, they emphasize the importance of cooking homemade food and avoiding the consumption of processed foods as much as possible.
If you are considering switching to a meat-free diet, it is recommended to make the transition gradually, incorporating plant protein sources such as beans, lentils, nuts and seeds into your daily diet. Small changes can make a difference in the search for a healthier diet.
