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Asian Flush: The Adaptive Response to Drink Alcohol
The Asian flush, or the red face and sickness experienced by some individuals when drinking alcohol, is actually an adaptive response to discourage them from consuming alcohol. This response helps them avoid risky behaviors and mistakes while intoxicated, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction. Similarly, lactose tolerance in humans is a result of genetic adaptation to domesticated cows and goats. The ability to continue consuming dairy products without getting sick offered a selective advantage, particularly in regions prone to starvation. These examples demonstrate how cultural practices and evolutionary processes have influenced our genetic traits for better survival and reproduction.