How does nutrigenomics explain individual responses to superfoods?

Here's the translation:

Hey, that's a great question! Lots of people share this confusion: "They say this thing is a 'superfood', so why don't I feel anything when I eat it, but my friend sees amazing results?"

The answer lies in a term that sounds a bit cool and sci-fi: "Nutrigenomics". Don't be intimidated by the name, let me break it down; it's actually quite straightforward.

Let's start with an analogy: Your body and its "Instruction Manual"

Think of your genes (DNA) as your own unique, personal "Body Instruction Manual".

This manual is packed with instructions for everything – like the color of your eyes, whether your hair is straight or curly, and crucially, how your body processes the food you eat.
The food you eat every day (including those superfoods), acts like various "commands" or provides "raw materials" for your body.

Nutrigenomics is the science that studies how these food "commands" and "materials" interact with your unique "manual."

Why different reactions? Because you have different "Manual Versions"!

Even when eating the same "superfoods" like broccoli, blueberries, or salmon, people have vastly different bodily reactions. This is mainly because your "manuals" have different "chapters" on key points.

1. Differences in Metabolic Capacity (Processing Speed Varies)

Good Analogy: Think of computer processors with different specs. Some computers process files lightning-fast, others move sluggishly.
Real-World Example: Caffeine
- Many people rely on coffee for an energy boost. Caffeine needs to be "processed" (metabolized) by a gene called CYP1A2.
- "Fast Metabolizers": Their gene manual says "Metabolize caffeine at high speed." They process coffee quickly, get the boost effectively, and it doesn't affect their sleep later.
- "Slow Metabolizers": The manual says "Metabolize caffeine slowly." Caffeine lingers in their system for a long time. A small cup might cause heart palpitations and hand tremors, and an afternoon coffee could ruin their night's sleep.
- For them, coffee isn't a "super-energy-drink"; it's more of a nuisance.

2. Differences in Nutrient Absorption & Utilization Efficiency (Conversion Efficiency Varies)

Good Analogy: Give the same amount of money to different people. One person is great at managing money, turning $100 into $200 worth of value. Another might effectively lose $50 right off the bat.
Real-World Example: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Flaxseeds and chia seeds are plant-based "superfoods" rich in a type of Omega-3 called ALA. But our bodies primarily need two other Omega-3s: EPA and DHA (abundant in fish oil).
- The body needs the FADS1 gene to convert ALA into EPA and DHA.
- "High Converters": People with this "conversion guide" in their manual can get decent Omega-3 supplementation from eating flaxseeds.
- "Low Converters": Their manual has an inefficient "conversion guide." They can eat loads of flaxseeds, but their bodies convert very little into usable EPA/DHA. For them, eating fish or taking fish oil is more effective.

3. Differences in the Ability to "Unlock" Specific Beneficial Compounds

Good Analogy: A treasure chest holds valuable items, but you need a specific key to open it.
Real-World Example: Sulforaphane in Broccoli
- Broccoli, kale, and other cruciferous vegetables contain a powerful antioxidant called sulforaphane, considered a "super" anti-cancer compound.
- But, to make this compound active and usable in your body, you need a gene called GSTM1 to help "activate" and "utilize" it.
- A significant number of people are naturally missing the GSTM1 page in their manual.
- For them, broccoli is still a healthy vegetable (rich in fiber and vitamins), but that most "super" anti-cancer benefit is likely significantly reduced.

To sum it up:

Nutrigenomics tells us that no food is universally "super" for everyone.

It's like a personal detective that studies your genetic "manual" to help you discover:

Which foods are "high-efficiency fuel" for your body?
Which foods are "ineffective" or even potentially "detrimental" for you?
Which nutrients do you need to specifically supplement because your manual indicates an inherent tendency for "poor conversion" or "poor absorption"?

So, next time someone recommends a "superfood" to you, you can take it more calmly. If it doesn't work for you, don't be discouraged. It doesn't mean you're "unhealthy." It's very likely just because your unique "body manual" requires you to find the page that's tailored just for you. Listening to your own body's responses is always more important than blindly following trends. This is also the direction of future personalized nutrition!