Science Confirms Redheads Are Equipped With Some Weird Genetic Superpowers
For a hair colour that makes up only two per cent of the world’s population, the fascination around redheads is unwavering. For the most part, natural ‘gingers’ have copped a fair bit of criticism, finding themselves to be the punch line of many a joke or accusation. School yard banter is one thing, but to go back to the time of witch-hunting and royalty was to discover a culture whereby redheads were persecuted and considered to be unlucky, or evil.
These superstitions did fade however, and come 1886, Dr Augustin Galopin declared redheads were the sexier smelling people. In his book, ‘Le Parfum de la Femme,’ Dr Galopin found that redheaded women emit a distinct aroma that he found to be particularly intoxicating.
Since then, far more research has been done on the world’s gingers, with the results indicating that although they put up with a lot, redheads could be considered genetic superheroes. It might not be the type of thing Marvel would take an interest in, but the bodies of redheads are incredibly resilient as their altered genes give them different DNA and by extension, a host of other unique abilities that are somewhat awe-inspiring.
Don’t believe us? Take a gander at these genetic superheroes attributed to the unicorns of the human world.
They have a higher pain threshold
A variety of studies investigated whether people with red hair experience pain differently and the results suggested that redheads may be less susceptible to most types of pain. A McGill University study found that redheads could handle more electric shocks than those with different coloured hair. Other research discovered that gingers are better at handling stabbing or sharp pain.
They know when it's getting cold
Redheads feel hot and cold temperatures more severely than anyone else. In 2005, the University of Louisville discovered this hidden gift and hypothesised that the redhead gene, MC1R may cause the human temperature-detecting gene to become over-activated, making redheads more sensitive to thermal extremes. So, if a redhead says they're feeling a bit chilly, layer the thermals and grab a blanket because winter is coming.
They don't need as much vitamin D
Thanks to higher concentrations of red hair and pale skin in cloudy European environments, redheads gained a greater ability to create their own vitamin D. When they go outside, he or she produces more vitamin D in a shorter amount of time than people with other hair colours. This gives them an evolutionary advantage, since low levels of vitamin D can lead to ailments like rickets, diabetes and arthritis.
They are seen as funnier
According to Professor Andrew Scott, who teaches the history of comedy at the University of Buffalo, we first began to see the circus clown as we know it – complete with face paint and brightly coloured wigs – in the early 19th century. The wigs needed to be bright to be seen from the backs of large theatres, so red was an obvious choice.
Stott also speculates that the notion of the red-haired clown solidified in our culture during the early 20th century as a nod to the influx of Irish immigrants to America. “It’s no accident…that Ronald McDonald spells his surname the Irish way instead of Scottish,” Stott tells La Rosa in the book.
They love getting down and busy
According to German intercourse researcher Dr. Werner Habermehl, women with red hair are more intimately active than those with blonde or brunette hair. The professor explained: “The sex lives of women with red hair were clearly more active than those with other hair colour, with more partners and having sex more often than the average.”
The figures revealed that, typically, redheads have intercourse at least one more time per week than the rest of the population.
They can be from any race or ethnicity
While it may seem that only Caucasians have red hair, people from all races and ethnicities have ginger locks. It is more common in areas such as Northern Europe and specific parts of Russia. However, the genetic mutation has also spread throughout parts of South America, Asia, and Africa.
Morocco, for example, has a higher-than-normal population of redheads.
They're popular in commercials
A 2014 report by Upstream Analysis found that 30 per cent of the TV commercials that run during prime time prominently feature a redhead. At one point, CBS showcased a ginger every 106 seconds. That’s a lot when you consider they’re just 2 per cent of the world’s population.