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Dimples, particularly those that emerge when smiling, hold a unique place in human aesthetics and cultural symbolism. Found in a significant portion of the world's population, the genetic foundations of dimples still prompt curiosity and research. This article examines what gene causes these dimples, unraveling the mystery behind one of the most sought-after physical features.
Dimples are dips or small indentations that appear on the skin.
Humans can develop dimples in different body parts, like the cheeks, chin, or lower back. These are harmless indentations that are primarily physical.
Dimples, when they form on other parts of the body like the natal cleft, nose, limbs, or scalp, could be associated with certain medical conditions and must be diagnosed by healthcare providers.
There are two common types of cheek dimples - unilateral and bilateral.
Unilateral dimples occur on one side of the cheek, while bilateral dimples form on both cheeks.
A 2018 study analyzed the type of cheek dimples and concluded that 55.6% of the population had bilateral dimples.
In comparison, only 44.4% of the population had unilateral dimples.
Dimples are formed due to a slight change in the facial muscle bundle called zygomaticus major.
The zygomaticus major starts at the tip of the cheekbone and goes down to the corners of the mouth.
These muscles pull the corners of the mouth upwards when people smile.
Usually, the zygomaticus major is usually a single bundle of muscle on either cheek.
In some people, the muscle divides into two bundles - one half from the cheekbone to the middle of the cheek and the other half from the midpoint to the corner of the mouth.
When the skin moves over this split while smiling, a slight indentation appears, which is called a dimple.
Studies report that the global prevalence of genetically inherited cheek dimples is about 22.7%. In the American population, the number is higher, at 34%.
Dimples, particularly those that appear when smiling, are primarily influenced by genetic factors.
Very little research has actually been done on the specific genes responsible for cheek dimples.
These genes may be associated with variations in the zygomaticus major muscle.
Did you know that up to 34% of Americans, 27.4% of Asians, and 12.3% of Europeans are genetically inclined to develop dimples?
According to experts, specific gene changes could be why some people have two bundles of the zygomaticus major while others don’t.
These gene changes could be passed on in the family, making cheek dimples a heritable trait.
Did you know?
While we know that our DNA governs observable traits like eye color, height, and even dimples, not many of us are aware that it even influences health predispositions, altering our risk for many chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Xcode Life allows you to upload your existing DNA data from ancestry tests to learn 1,500+ things about your health. Learn more.
Unless born with dimples, you may not be able to create the indentation naturally.
Some people may have excess fat on the cheeks, leading to the temporary formation of dimples. These dimples disappear when they lose the fat, though.
Dimpleplasty is a technique performed by a trained surgeon to create dimples on the skin.
Here, the surgeon marks where the dimple is needed and makes a small hole in the skin to remove muscles and fat underneath.
Now, the area is sutured using a sling. This process attaches the skin to the muscles to create the indentation.
It may not be possible to get rid of dimples naturally.
Using fillers like Botox on the area may loosen up the muscles and bring down the prominence of the dimple.
This procedure is only temporary and may need to be repeated every 2-3 months.
Dimples occur when the zygomaticus major muscle splits into two bundles, creating an indentation when people smile.
Dimples are genetically inherited. However, the exact genes that lead to the formation of dimples haven’t been identified yet.
Dimples on the cheeks, chin, or lower back are often harmless, while those in areas like the nose, limbs, or scalp could be due to medical reasons and must be checked by an expert.
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30807476/
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5955629/
A revolutionary new health drink, or just another sugary health risk? Vitamin water is a new beverage that claims to be jam-packed with electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins. However, its actual impact on your health goes beyond the nutritional label on the bottle. This post explores expert opinions, studying this popular beverage's potential benefits and downsides that you might not expect.
Vitamin water is a beverage made of water enriched with vitamins and minerals.
It may also be infused with some electrolytes.
Vitamin water comes in many flavors and is sweetened with sugar or sugar substitutes.
The formulation of vitamin water varies from brand to brand.
Vitamin water contains:
Not all brands or flavors necessarily contain all these ingredients.
The main difference between the normal and the Zero variants of vitamin water is that the latter has no added sugar.
The Zero variant is sweetened with artificial sweeteners like erythritol and stevia.
So, on average, the normal variant has 100 calories per bottle, while the Zero variant contains 0 calories.
In short, no. Vitamin water is not the best source of your daily vitamins and minerals. Its high sugar content and flavoring agents can also negatively impact your health.
Let’s break down the ingredients and look for the potential benefits of consuming vitamin water.
Coca-Cola put vitamin water on the map.
They offer it in normal and Zero variants.
The normal version contains 26 grams of sugar per bottle.
This is nearly half the recommended daily sugar intake, which is very unhealthy.
The Zero version has no added sugar and is thus a calorie-free drink.
While this is a healthier alternative, it may not be the best choice. We’ll get to the why of it shortly.
| Flavor | % RDA of Vitamins and Minerals |
| Açai Blueberry Pomegranate | Vitamin C: 50% Vitamin E: 100% Niacin (B3): 25% Pantothenic Acid (B5): 25% Vitamin B6: 20% Vitamin B12: - |
| Tropical Mango | Vitamin C: 100% Vitamin E: 100% Niacin (B3): 25% Pantothenic Acid (B5): 25% Vitamin B6: 20% Vitamin B12: - |
| Power-C Dragonfruit | Vitamin C: 200% Zinc: 25% Niacin (B3): 25% Pantothenic Acid (B5): - Vitamin B6: 20% Vitamin B12: - |
| Focus Kiwi-Strawberry | Vitamin A: 10% Vitamin C: 100% Niacin (B3): 25% Pantothenic Acid (B5): 300% Vitamin B6: 300% Vitamin B12: 300% |
| Essential Orange | Vitamin C: 250% Zinc: 25% Niacin (B3): 25% Pantothenic Acid (B5): - Vitamin B6: 20% Vitamin B12: - |
| Energy Tropical Citrus | Niacin (B3): 100% Pantothenic Acid (B5): - Vitamin B6: - Vitamin B12: - |
| Multi-V Lemonade | Vitamin A: 10% Vitamin C: 100% Calcium: - Magnesium: - Zinc: - |
Please note:
The sugar content of regular vitamin water negates any health benefits it may offer.
The Zero version may offer some potential benefits.
The vitamins and minerals in vitamin water may offer some nutritional benefits upon consumption.
Most of it might not be absorbed, but whatever remains could help.
People may be more inclined to consume vitamin water due to their attractive flavors.
While it does hydrate sufficiently, plain water is still the best way to hydrate.
Since vitamin water contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium, it may aid in post-workout recovery.
Vitamin water is sweetened with sucrose and fructose in the US.
Fructose is considered the most harmful component of added sugar.
The fructose content in vitamin water is nearly as much as that in normal Coca-Cola.
Weight loss diets are not just about staying away from high-calorie foods but also saying no to beverages filled with sugar.
Sugar-filled beverages do not even offer the benefits of solid food, like satiety or energy sources.
So they are even worse than sweet-rich foods.
Further, studies suggest that sugar-sweetened beverages are one of the leading causes of obesity.
Typically, excess vitamins and minerals are excreted via urine.
But if too much is consumed, it can become toxic to the body.
If vitamin water is your only source of vitamins, it might be safe.
You probably shouldn’t consume too much vitamin water along with a diet that contains vitamins.
The vitamins could accumulate and cause some harm to your body.
Expert Opinions
Research Findings
It is better to consume vitamin water occasionally rather than every day. Even the zero version may not suit everyone since the sugar alcohol in sweeteners can cause stomach disturbance in some.
Vitamin water can benefit stomach health through hydration and electrolyte replenishment. However, its high sugar content and potential for artificial additives may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals if consumed excessively. For optimal digestive health, plain water remains the best choice, and vitamin water can be consumed in moderation alongside a balanced diet rich in whole foods.
No solid evidence suggests that vitamin water is healthier than tap water. There are also not enough studies to investigate the potential benefits that vitamin water may offer.
The average recommended water intake is 3 liters. To replace water and compensate for hydration, one would need to drink ~5 bottles of Coca-Cola’s vitamin water. This can cause various problems:
Drinking vitamin water can lead to several side effects, primarily due to its high sugar content and potential for excessive vitamin intake.
Many varieties of vitamin water contain significant amounts of added sugars—often comparable to soft drinks—which can contribute to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic issues.
Additionally, consuming too many vitamins, particularly fat-soluble ones like A and E, can result in toxicity and adverse health effects.
Artificial sweeteners used in sugar-free versions may also cause gastrointestinal discomfort and cravings for more sugar.
Overall, while vitamin water can provide hydration and some nutrients, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid these potential side effects.
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https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/5-reasons-why-vitaminwater-is-a-bad-idea
https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/apnm-2014-0252
If you’ve ever wondered how people who eat healthy struggle to lose weight but people with the most unhealthy diets maintain a healthy weight, you’re in the right place. A complex interplay of several environmental and genetic factors determines your body weight. Environments may change, but your genetic makeup is unique to you. Getting a genetic test for weight loss is a great way to help you understand your health better, allowing you to make the right dietary choices.
For a long time, we’ve assumed that weight gain and loss depend almost entirely on our lifestyle.
Eat unhealthy foods and put on weight, eat healthier and watch the scale go down.
It may not be as simple as that anymore.
Now, researchers study the genetics of weight in greater detail.
A study surveyed the genetic background of patients who had undergone weight loss procedures.
The study revealed that genetics played a role in determining the procedure's long-term effectiveness.
The authors also suggested that genetic screening of people with obesity can help recommend a personalized and cost-effective treatment option that would benefit the patient in the long term.
Suitable lifestyle modifications can help combat weight fluctuations.
Regular exercise and a refined diet have a significant impact on body weight.
In addition, habits like meditation to manage stress and a good sleep schedule can further help with weight loss.
Interestingly, how you respond to these healthy habits is influenced by your genes.
For example, dieting and a new sleep schedule work best for person A, while person B benefits more from regular exercise and meditation.
Your genetic makeup can determine which routine would impact your health more strongly.
Thus, getting a genetic test for weight loss is the best way to kickstart your wellness journey.
The short answer is yes.
However, no single “weight loss” gene directly controls the trait.
Your weight also indirectly depends on how you process food, adapt to exercise, handle stress, and more.
Your genetic makeup can answer all these questions:
Your genes aren’t entirely responsible for your body weight.
Factors from your environment and lifestyle contribute to weight gain, too.
Some of these non-genetic factors include:
Genetic testing for weight loss can help:
While lifestyle-related traits are easily noticeable, genetic traits aren’t immediately apparent.
For instance, you could trace a spike in weight back to a lack of exercise or a snacking spree in the recent past.
However, if you aren’t seeing enough results from your workout routine, you won’t be able to isolate the culprit genes.
That’s where genetic testing comes in.
Genetic testing can help you optimize your lifestyle, making your current diet and exercise routine more effective.
Healthy habits help, and genetic testing can augment them further.
Genetic testing for weight loss includes:
Ordering a DNA sample kit can cost up to a few hundred dollars.
Xcode Life offers a detailed, user-friendly genetic fitness test for just $30.
Some companies charge up to $200 for their weight loss-based panels.
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https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-sitting-is-bad-for-you
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9362746
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/lack-of-sleep-weight-gain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537590
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/depression-weight-gain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6171810
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8541372
Low calorific value, high antioxidant content, and healthy fats galore. What’s not to love about healthy oils like avocado and olive oil? Thanks to their innumerable health benefits, they’re all the rage now. But is one healthier than the other? To answer this question, let’s explore the similarities and differences between avocado and olive oil.
First things first, let’s take a look at their nutritional profiles:
| Parameter | Avocado Oil | Olive Oil |
| Calorific Value (kJ/kg) | 129 | 120 |
| Fat Composition Saturated fat Monounsaturated fat Saturated fat | 14 g 2 g 10 g 2 g | 13.5 g 2 g 10 g 1.5 g |
| Antioxidants (Vitamin E) | 23% of daily value (DV) | 33% of DV |
Here, we can see that:
Olive oil offers a host of health benefits, such as:
Olive oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs).
These fatty acids help increase the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol levels and decrease the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels.
In fact, among all plant-based cooking oils, olive oil has the highest levels of MUFAs.
Olive oil is also anti-thrombotic, reducing the chances of a blood clot.
Its anti-atherogenic properties help clean up dangerous deposits in your blood vessels.
These properties are healthy for the heart and prevent heart disease.
Chronic inflammation encourages the onset of chronic and degenerative diseases.
Olive oil has a high polyphenol content, which helps reduce inflammatory molecules.
Olive oil combats chronic inflammation, reducing the risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, joint, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Polyphenols present in olive oil also have anti-cancer, anti-thrombotic, and anti-atherogenic properties.
For this reason, consumption of olive oil may help prevent some cancers.
Avocado oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats.
They enhance fat-soluble vitamin absorption (Vitamins A, D, E, and K).
Meals enriched with avocado oil help your body absorb vitamins effectively.
Avocado oil is highly moisturizing and is rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant.
Vitamin E supports skin health by reducing oxidative stress and hydrating skin.
It can also improve the skin's elasticity and soothe irritated or dry skin.
When applied topically, avocado oil may:
Avocado oil is also rich in MUFAs, which are known to improve heart health.
Studies have found that avocado oil lowers bad LDL cholesterol and increases good HDL cholesterol levels.
They reduce inflammation and improve overall cardiovascular function.
Avocado oil also contains beta-sitosterol, a compound that further lowers cholesterol levels.
Thus, avocado oil supports cardiovascular health, too.
Smoke point is the temperature at which the fats in the oil begin to break down and turn into smoke.
Olive oil’s smoke point is around 374–405°F (190–207°C), making it a safe choice for cooking at home.
Avocado oil’s smoke point is around 500°F (260oC), making it a chef's favorite and one of the most versatile cooking oils in larger kitchens.
Both olive and avocado oils can be used for cooking.
However, both oils have different taste profiles.
Olive oil has a smooth and versatile flavor profile– it is nutty, fresh, and peppery.
Avocado oil, on the other hand, is a more grassy, mildly sweet, and buttery flavor.
Between the two, olive oil is more suitable for nearly all foods.
Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), is ideal for low- to medium-heat cooking, dressings, and drizzling.
It's delicate and flavor-rich, perfect for uncooked dressing or gentle sautéing.
Due to its smoke point, it is better suited for lower-heat cooking and finishing dishes.
Avocado oil's higher smoke point makes it perfect for high-heat cooking.
Its mild, neutral flavor makes it versatile for everything from frying to roasting.
With a smoke point of around 520°F (271°C), it is ideal for high-temperature techniques like frying, searing, and roasting.
Both oils have similar health benefits and are great for your health in the long run.
However, they have slightly varied nutritional value, and both oils have their spheres of use.
Olive oil is the more practical option at home.
It has the highest amount of MUFA among plant-based oils, making it a sought-after option for cooking.
Still, avocado oil has nearly the same health benefits and is considered one of the healthiest oils for cooking.
It could be a healthy option while eating out.
Avocado and olive oil are considered healthy fats and have many health benefits.
When choosing between the two, you can consider factors like flavor, price, and cooking methods.
Avocado oil is ideal for stir-frying due to its high smoke point.
Olive oil is more suitable for lighter cooking techniques like roasting.
Avocado oil can cause skin irritation on some skin types if consumed in excess.
It’s best to avoid avocado oil if you have any kind of vegetable oil allergy.
Mixing the oils results in a product with a unique aroma, better smoke point, and a balanced nutritional profile.
Have you ever wondered why some people seem more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) than others? While lifestyle factors and hygiene play a significant role, an intriguing question often arises: Are UTIs genetic? In this article, we'll dive into the genetics of UTIs and explore whether your genes could contribute to your susceptibility.
UTIs are common infections that infect the urinary tract.
These infections are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra (the tube that expels urine from the bladder outside) either from the skin or the rectum.
The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection called cystitis. If unchecked, in rare cases, bladder infections can travel upwards to affect the kidney.
Around 60% of females and 12% of males will have experienced at least one episode of UTI during their lifetime.
You may have UTI if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
If the UTI has spread to the kidneys, you may experience the following:
*Disclaimer: Please do not self-diagnose UTIs based only on the above information. Visit a qualified medical practitioner for the best course of action.
Yes, genetics is one of the factors that influence the development of UTIs. This risk is influenced predominantly by genes that regulate the immune responses of the host.
Recurrent Infections
According to research, 27% of females experience UTI recurrence within 6 months of the first infection, and 40% of kids who get a UTI develop another one within a year.
The recurrent nature of UTIs may indicate that this condition may have a genetic link with some females prone to them due to their family tree.
Family history
A few studies have reported that females who have recurrent UTIs have a stronger family history of UTIs compared to other females.
Genetic variants
Further research found that some people born with specific cell receptors in their urinary tracts that allow bacteria to stick to them better develop UTIs more often.
A 2010 study on UTIs found that 6 out of 14 genes investigated may be associated with genetic susceptibility to recurrent UTIs in humans.
These studies show that being prone to UTIs may have to do with your genetic makeup and heredity.
The genes implicated control the immune system pathways in the body. Any variations in these genes have also been found to increase your UTI risk.
There is no clear inheritance pattern for UTIs. When there's an affected family member, female relatives of that member tend to have a higher risk.
Though UTIs are not contagious, the bacteria causing this infection can travel from one person to another.
Research states that having a mother or sister with recurrent UTIs increases your risk of developing the condition more often.
This has to do with your genes.
Some females inherit cell receptors in the urinary tract from their biological mothers, which allows bacteria to stick better, causing recurrent UTIs.
Bacteria live in large numbers around the vagina and the rectum.
When these bacteria enter the urinary tract due to wrong personal hygiene practices, they tend to cause UTIs.
Just like some people are prone to colds and allergies, many are prone to UTIs.
A few factors known to cause and increase the risk of UTIs include:
Genetics does not directly cause UTIs. However, when combined with environmental and lifestyle factors, your genes can influence your risk for UTIs.
Several personal hygiene practices can increase your risk for UTIs. For example:
Sexual intercourse and other associated practices can increase the risk for UTIs.
Public hot tubs and jacuzzis are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that cause UTIs.
Working in an unclean environment has been found to cause an increased incidence of UTIs.
Whether you are prone to UTIs or just wish to stay clear of these pesky infections, here are a few ways to prevent them:
Keeping yourself hydrated and drinking adequate water helps flush out bacteria in the urinary tract every time you urinate.
Though UTIs are nagging infections, they are easy to manage.
Treatment and management of UTIs depend upon the severity of the infection, your symptoms, and the causative organism (that can be detected using a urinary culture).
Antibiotics are usually the first line of treatment for UTIs.
Following healthy personal hygiene practices and staying hydrated can also help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the recurrence of UTIs.
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Most of us have a vitamin supplement or two in our medicine caddy that we take every day, hoping to get that energy boost or shake off the winter blues. In fact, according to a recent report, around 60% of adults in the US use dietary supplements, with multivitamins being the most common, closely followed by vitamin D. While we rely on these supplements to enhance our well-being and fill nutritional gaps, how can you tell if they're working, and how long does it actually take to see results? This article serves as an in-depth guide to vitamin consumption and provides effective tips on increasing vitamin absorption.
There are several proven benefits of taking vitamins as supplements:
Vitamins are present in the food we consume and supplements we take.
Like all other nutrients, they are absorbed by the body through the digestive system.
When you consume a food or supplement containing vitamins, the food is broken down in the stomach and intestines and absorbed into the blood.
The presence of certain foods in your diet can speed up the absorption of vitamins.
Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D require fat in your meals to be absorbed.
Besides food, gut bacteria also play an essential role in supporting vitamin digestion.
Different types of vitamins take different durations to show their effects.
Generally speaking, water-soluble vitamins start working within days; in contrast, fat-soluble vitamins take weeks to months to start working.
However, both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins may take, on average, 3 months to correct a vitamin deficiency.
Other factors that determine how long it takes for vitamins to work include:
Consuming fat with fat-soluble vitamins enhances their absorption.
Some factors that affect the efficacy of vitamins are:
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When vitamins start working, you will notice signs like:
and improvement in other symptoms you experienced before taking supplements.
However, a sure-shot way to tell if your vitamins are actually working for you is through blood test that examines the levels of various vitamins and minerals in your body.
While no one method can make vitamins work like magic, there are certain things one can follow to get the maximum benefit.
Did You Know? Mutations in certain genes that influence the absorption, conversion, and transport of vitamins can put you at a high risk for deficiency. Uncover your complete nutritional profile with Xcode Life's Gene Nutrition Report.
reports are generated with ancestry test raw data. xcode life does not ship out DNA kits
If you are taking vitamins and are still experiencing signs and symptoms like fatigue, sleep issues, bleeding gums, brittle nails, or vision problems, your vitamin supplements may not be working.
While it takes some time for your body to get used to the vitamin supplements, persistent signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiency must be evaluated by your doctor.
Adding vitamins to your daily routine is easy and quick.
Here are a few tips that may be helpful:
There is no right time to take vitamins. However, doctors recommend taking them with or after meals to increase absorption.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right multivitamin:
