A Little Bit of Carbs in My Life: In Response to Elon Musk’s Tweet “Carbs Are Amazing”
Our Indian diet today has become rather carbohydrate-heavy and our physical activity has come down to a stuttering halt. While carbs are essential, the quality and quantity of them matter. It also makes a difference based on your genome makeup.
A little bit of carbs in my life / A little more of protein is what I need / A little bit of fat makes me feel alright / A little of vitamins and hang out in the sun / A little bit of minerals makes me complete — Combo number 5
Why Nutrigenomics Changes Everything
The question many people ask is: “healthy is healthy” — so why should I do a genome analysis? When we speak about the science of nutrigenomics, we find that different people have different mutations that predispose them to using food as fuel differently.
The FTO Gene and Weight
The FTO gene (Fat mass and Obesity) — if you have certain mutations, it may be linked to an increased likelihood of being obese and a reduced ability to deal well with dietary fats.
The MTHFR Gene and B Vitamins
Mutations in MTHFR may be related to homocysteine levels and reduced levels of folate, choline, or B12. These are all part of the vitamin B complex. When there is a lot of homocysteine, it is likely that you don’t have enough B vitamins in your body — affecting cardiovascular health, mood, and more.
The CYP1A2 Gene and Coffee
The two important genes responsible for how you metabolise coffee are CYP1A2 and AHR. CYP1A2 is part of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes. AHR is a master regulator that controls CYP1A2 — determining whether you’re a fast or slow caffeine metaboliser.
The AMY1 Gene and Carbohydrates
The AMY1 gene (salivary amylase) breaks down starchy carbohydrates. Copy number variation in this gene correlates with carbohydrate intake and associated metabolic diseases. Fewer copies = lower starch digestion efficiency = higher risk of weight gain on high-carb diets.
In summary, knowing yourself through genomics is not just fascinating — it can help us lead healthier, more personalised lives.
Find Your Perfect Nutritional Combo
Genomepatri by MapmyGenome analyses your FTO, MTHFR, AMY1, CYP1A2, and 100+ other gene variants to reveal your personalised nutrition plan — the right balance of carbs, protein, fat, and vitamins for your unique genetic makeup.
