It is known to many that food affects our health in many aspects like our physical appearance, our energy levels, any disease conditions in our body, our immunity, our mental health, our emotional health, our mood etc. But it is a less popular fact that food also affects OUR GENES! Yes you read that right; there are many food items that affect our genes. This field of Nutrition Science is known as NUTRIGENOMICS. The metabolic breakdown of food and its nutrients can affect our genes in many ways; like a compound known as Resveratrol which is found in red wine and many berries like blueberries, raspberries, mulberries etc. protects our body from free radical damage by certain gene stimulation, thus preventing several types of cancer. Also a nutrient Folic Acid which can be obtained from Green Leafy Vegetables like cabbage, spinach etc. and Legumes is essential for DNA and RNA replication and synthesis. This was about how food affects our genes, but the vice-versa is also true that Genes also affect our Food Habits and Needs. Even a basic need like how much fat an individual’s body can regulate is determined genetically. Another very common example for the same is Lactose Intolerance. There is a genetic mutation which disables the body to form an enzyme Lactase which is necessary for the digestion of Lactose, hence causing severe reactions to food items containing lactose mainly milk and milk products. Effect of genes is not just limited to the food items a person can have or cannot have; it also influences eating behaviours, food preferences, taste and many dietary habits. Thus DNA based diets are a more customised and personalised way of nutrition. It gives an individual a better understanding of their bodies and will help them achieve optimal health in a faster and more efficient way.