Nowadays, more and more attention is paid to the role of food as a therapeutic agent. After all, many foods can affect metabolic processes that may be considered beyond the reach of diet. Here are 8 new scientific confirmations of the therapeutic effects of nutrition.
1. Activation of health genes
One of the most exciting areas of nutritional research is epigenetics, the study of how external factors, including food, can influence gene activity. Some foods can alter gene activity without altering DNA structure, which in turn may reduce the risk of certain chronic, autoimmune, and endocrine diseases. For example, turmeric, thanks to its active ingredient curcumin, has been shown to regulate genes responsible for inflammation.
2. Formation of microbiota and its impact on immunity
Insufficient microbiome diversity or an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria leads to the development of various diseases, including heart, lung, urinary system, intestinal diseases, and type 2 diabetes.
Regular consumption of fermented foods not only increases the number of beneficial bacteria, but also stimulates the growth of rare microbes that are not usually present in a standard diet. This is because fermentation creates unique compounds that promote the growth of certain types of bacteria.
3. Impact on metabolism and energy balance
Scientists have refuted their own claim that there is no food that can speed up metabolism. In particular, it turned out that it is enough to eat 40 grams of chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% every day and the metabolism will accelerate after 2 weeks due to the normalization of cell sensitivity to insulin. The same applies to cold water before meals.
4. Anti-inflammatory therapy
Inflammation is the root cause of many chronic diseases, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even depression. It turns out that certain foods reduce inflammation in the body, acting as natural anti-inflammatories.
In particular, Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil act as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. And polyphenols found in grapes and berries reduce inflammation at the cellular level.
5. Enzyme therapy and gastroenterology
Enzymes are biological catalysts that significantly improve the processes of digestion and absorption of food. Enzymes obtained from certain foods (for example: papaya, kiwi, pineapple, mango, citrus fruits) improve digestion. They help break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates, facilitating their absorption.
6. Chrononutrition and endocrinology
Chrononutrition is the study of how meal timing affects health. Research shows that eating at specific times of day optimizes metabolism, reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and digestive disorders. For example, following an “eating window” regime, where food is consumed during a limited period of time, improves insulin sensitivity and helps with weight management.
7. Cell protection
Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in cells. For example, pterostilbene, which is found in blueberries. Flavonoids - help improve the proliferation of insulin-producing pancreatic cells and insulin secretion.
8. Psycho-emotional impact
An unobvious but interesting aspect of food is its aroma and taste, which affect psycho-emotional health: citrus aromas improve mood and reduce anxiety. Eating foods with strong flavors, such as ginger, activates digestion and improves well-being. And in some cultures - notably Japanese cuisine, food is considered a means of achieving mental balance.
The “food as medicine” approach that underpins nutrition is scientifically sound, and personalized diets significantly reduce the need for supplements. Conscious and responsible food consumption may be the best medicine science will ever discover.
