Genetics & Nutrition: Does every healthy diet work for you?

Posted on March 1, 2013By Elena MarquinaFeatured, Nutrition

The Food Pyramid has been for years the example of a healthy diet. (Shutterstock)

When we think about nutrition and a healthy diet, the first picture that comes to mind is probably the Food Pyramid. This graphic image of a balanced diet is studied at school and sticks with us whether we follow it or not. More recently, MyPlate was added to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans as an easy reminder for us to eat a healthy diet.
But while these same recommendations are intended for everyone above two-years of age, including those with a higher risk of chronic disease, they overlook the fact that genetically, we are all different.
This explains why some people eat seemingly healthy diets but have trouble controlling their weight, while others can eat french fries and burgers but remain thin.
Based on genetics, foods that may be good for one person’s diet may be harmful for another’s. That is not to say that we shouldn’t follow the Dietary Guidelines, but when looking at our plate up close, the ingredients may differ from one person to another depending on the individual’s genetic structure.