Westerners ‘genetically programmed to consume fatty foods and alcohol’ say scientists
Researchers from the University of Aberdeen have revealed that westerners could be genetically programmed to eat more fatty foods and drink more alcohol than those living in the east.
According to the scientists involved in the study there is a genetic switch which regulates appetite and thirst in humans. Dr Alasdair MacKenzie who led the study, revealed that this switch controls the areas of the brain which allow us to select which foods we want to eat and if it is turned on too strongly, we are more likely to crave both fatty foods and alcohol.
He added: “The fact that the weaker switch is found more frequently in Asians compared to Europeans suggests they are less inclined to select such options.”
MacKenzie also said that the results allow us a look into early European life when brewing and dairy produce were essential sources of calories throughout the winter months, during which a preference for foods which were higher in fat and alcohol content would have been paramount for survival.
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View the original BBC News article.