National DNA day is a day to commemorate two significant moments in our scientific timeline. The first being April 25th, 1953 the discovery of the double helix DNA molecule by James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin they published papers in the journal Nature on the structure of DNA.
Also, On this day in 2003, the human genome project was practically complete. The work of the Human Genome Project has allowed researchers to begin to understand the blueprint of a person. As researchers learn more about the functions of genes and proteins, this knowledge will have a major impact in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and the life sciences.
The impact of the genome project has already begun to impact our lives positively. With genetic testing we are able to identify lethal enzymatic deficiencies, knowing which foods suit us best, and identifying our predisposition to certain diseases and taking the necessary steps to minimise their impact on our quality of life and longevity.
What is DNA?
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. It was previously thought that the activity of our genes was predetermined and we had no possibility to impact our predicament. However, now we know that certain positive lifestyle choices and eating the right foods, taking the right supplements can “switch off” disease-promoting genes, and “switch on” health promoting genes. Preserving DNA is important as DNA damage and mutation can lead to cancer and other metabolic diseases.
How can we take care of our DNA?
Avoid:
Carcinogens – Burnt foods
Tobacco smoking
Include in your lifestyle:
Plant-based diet
Regular exercise
Supplements:
Organic Traditions Berry Blast
This freeze-dried organic berry powder contains powerful antioxidants which can help protect our DNA from damage.
This culinary spice contains curcumin which has been shown in studies to help repair DNA damage.
This mushroom's ability to battle the natural pro-ageing reactions to our cells in the body helps keep cellular DNA from being damaged.
Astragalus has been shown to stimulate the enzyme responsible for keeping the DNA ends from damage during replication.
Milk thistle has the ability to counteract oxidative stress in the liver, thereby protecting DNA cells in the liver from damage.
This ayurvedic herb, through a variety of mechanisms including the stress hormone reduction pathway, can help protect DNA.
