Have you ever wondered about what your DNA test can tell you about your ancestors and health? Opting for DNA home testing has become the latest trend. Before you sign up for yours, here are six cool things DNA testing can reveal.
Grey Hair
If you are in your teens, you might be wondering when your first strand of grey hair will appear. According to scientists, one gene can determine when you will be getting your first strand of silver/ grey hair. The gene that we are talking about is known as the IRF4. This gene is responsible for hair, skin, and eye pigmentation. A DNA test can also give a better insight into how you can avoid premature aging.
Parental Impact
We understand that a woman's health, lifestyle, nutrition, habits, and age affect their babies' well-being (before and after birth). However, have you ever wondered about the influence that your father has had on you? As men age, it is typical for them to adopt unhealthy habits, such as drinking. They also get heavier and gain weight due to their lifestyle. Resultantly, the genes of men can change. By passing down their genes to their kids, such changes can impact the kids and even their grandkids by exposing them to certain unhealthy conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and even cancer.
Weight Gain
Did you know that your body type and potential to gain weight don't solely rely on your lifestyle and food intake? Understandably, if you consume fast food and live a sedentary lifestyle, you will grow into a potato couch. However, your genes play an essential role in determining your weight as well. If you feel that you are eating healthy and still becoming obese, you might want your genes checked. Even if this is the case, you don't have to freak out. Certain methods, such as a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle, can set the scales in your favor.
Eyesight
Have you heard of the connection between genes, DNA, and the potential risks of AMD (age-related macular degeneration)? An interesting fact about our gene variations is these can be the underlying cause of blindness. If you want to know what the future might hold at stake for you related to your health and potential illnesses, it is recommended to opt for a home dna test kit and find out more.
Leftover Viruses
What did our ancestors do when they got ill and had to deal with viral illnesses? Depending on their immune system, they forwarded their virus leftovers to us. Therefore, you can expect tiny percentages of virus leftovers of your ancestors to be residing within your bloodstream and being an essential part of your DNA. It is important to note here that we refer to the ancestral viruses that are good for our immune system.
At first, scientists thought that such leftover viruses served no purpose. However, upon removal, it was found that nearby genes were no longer able to fight against the newer virus attacks once the ancestral virus was no longer there. Surprisingly, our ancestral viruses serve as a safeguard against new viruses. How amazing are our DNA and genes?
What Else Could is hiding in Our DNAs?
If the above-mentioned amazing facts had you seriously thinking about what else could be hiding within your DNA, you are not alone. It is our DNA that makes us different from one another. Our entire existence, including our appearance, personality, health, attitude, behavior, and so much more, depends on our genes. Nonetheless, no matter what your DNA test reveals about you, with a positive mindset, and a healthy lifestyle, you can always turn things around for the better. Remember that the quality of your life depends on the two things of nature and nurture.
