Native Climate Influences Your Metabolism
According to a recent study that was presented to the National Academy of Sciences, the place where one’s ancestors came from influences a person’s ability to burn calories. The study involved 104 respondents whose ancestors hailed from distinct geographical regions. The researchers analyzed the gene sequences of the respondents’ mitochondria and found something surprising data.
Mitochondria are present in all human cells. These cellular bodies are known as the “powerhouse” of the cell since they produce and store energy molecules such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The mitochondria also regulate the body’s metabolism. Out of these mitochondria, the researchers extracted DNA samples. The DNA in a person’s mitochondria is inherited from the mother.
The researchers study found that the DNA samples of persons whose maternal ancestors came from the same type of geographical region (for example, arctic region) have similar genetic sequences. These sequences are quite different from those with maternal ancestors coming from a different biome (for example, a tropical region). These findings led the researchers to conclude that climate plays a big role in a person’s metabolism.
People with maternal relatives who lived in arctic climates have genes that adapted themselves to the extremely cold temperatures. Thus, their bodies produce more heat while burning calories. A significant amount of energy is transformed into heat, rather than used in building muscles. On the other hand, people with relatives living in tropical climates have genes that are adapted to more humid and warmer temperatures.
The researchers described these people to have genes that use calories more efficiently. That is, while burning calories, little heat is produced. The researchers further explained that the differences in the genetic sequences are due to evolution brought about by environmental stresses. The study is yet another evidence supporting Darwin’s theory of natural selection, popularly known as the theory about the “survival of the fittest”.
Unfortunately, the evolution of genes is a lot slower than technological progress. That is, a person whose genes are suited to arctic climates may now be living in a resort house in a tropical beach and a person whose genes are adapted to a hot climate may now be working and residing in the polar region. The gene sequence which is vital for surviving in one climate may proved to be useless, if not cumbersome, in another climate. For example, a person whose body produces lots of heat may feel uncomfortable living in the tropics.
Situations like these lead to disorders such as obesity, diabetes,
hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and neuro-degenerative diseases.
Of course, we do not suggest that you return to the place where your ancestors
originally came from. This is to warn of the potential health risks that
you may face, so that you can take steps to take care of your body.