Going back to the days of slavery, Africans were always sought after given their unmatched physical build, mental endurance and resistance to most European diseases. After years of research, scientists have been able to prove that those of the African race are genetically ordained to be vessels of strength.
The research has led many to understand how Africans have been able to excel and dominate even the area of some sports.
Here are some interesting facts in this regard.
Africans are proven to be genetically strong
In 2008, a Cornell University study revealed that the genetics of European race have far more damaging mutations than people of African descent. These harmful mutations have continued to build up and continue to plague European bloodlines.
That study also revealed that people of African descent have far greater variations in their genetics than their European counterparts.
African genes confirm the first humans are at least 70% older than previously estimated
Scientists discovered an unusual distinct Y chromosome in the genes of an African man, Albert Perry, who had passed away. DNA technicians traced Perry’s lineage to a much earlier time than man’s known ancestor, the biblical Adam. It means that Perry and others with the same distinct Y chromosome found in a small area of Cameroon, are not descendants of Adam. Their origins push the dawn of humanity back from 140,000 to 338,000 years ago — or 70% earlier than previously estimated, according to their study.
Some African genes represent a more complex image of the evolution of modern humans
In 2011, researchers discovered human fossils from a Nigerian site called Iwo Eleru. The fossils turned out to be an incredibly rare mix of ancient and modern features, which suggests that this was the result of breeding between archaic and modern humans. According to Chris Stringer of the Natural History Museum in London, this is a sign of a “more complex scenario for the evolution of modern humans in Africa.”
African complexion is a source of many health benefits
The very pigment that gives Africans their dark skin complexion is the source of many miraculous health benefits. Melanin provides incredible protection against the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, neutralises harmful effects of other forms of radiation, fights off signs of aging, and so much more. Melanin also has the unique ability to absorb certain energy sources such as light and sound waves, and convert them into reusable energy.
West Africans are genetically better sprinters
Studies revealed that the muscle composition of West Africans genetically allows them to be “the most anaerobically efficient athletes” due to the way their bodies process energy.
Kenyans are genetically proven to have high endurance
Recent studies revealed that Kenyans have “little ammonia accumulation in their muscles from protein combustion and less lactic acid build up. They have more of the muscle enzymes that burn fat, and their glycogen reserves are not burned as quickly, which improves endurance.”
Twenty-eight of the last 38 world record holders in the men’s 100-metre dash have been black athletes. Since 1968, the world record holders in the men’s 100-metre dash have been black athletes. And since 1912, when the International Association of Athletics Federations started keeping track of the record holders in that event, only 10 non-black athletes out of 38 individuals have held the title.
A new study by researchers at Howard University suggests that physical differences in the length of the limbs and the structure of the body mean the centre of gravity tends to be higher in the bodies of black people.
