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Research is rapidly identifying the compounds from plants that are most effective against cancer. Among those that are proving to be the front line of defense against an initial diagnosis of cancer and to prevent recurrence are DIM, curcumin, EGCG, genistein, and I3C. Each has its own unique actions, and when taken together in small amounts they are much more powerful than taking a large amount of only one or two. Each is readily available in supplement form.
The fabulous five are research superstars
The British journal Acta Pharmacalagia Sinica, reports a study by the Cancer Biomarkers and Prevention Group at the University of Leicester in the UK. Researchers noted that intake of these phytochemical compounds is typically studied in artificial (in vitro) environments using high-dose single treatments. However, in humans (in vivo) the exposure to the compounds is persistent low-doses. They designed their study to reflect human exposure by investigating anti-tumor activity of these five phytochemicals in breast cancer cells exposed in long-term culture to typical low doses.
They found that curcumin, EGCG and I3C inhibited clonogenic growth by 55% to 60% and induced 1.5- to 2-fold higher levels of the basal caspase-3/7 activity. No changes in expression of cell cycle-related proteins or survivin were found; however, I3C reduced epidermal growth factor receptor expression, contributing to apoptosis (appropriate programmed cell death). Because some phytochemicals are shown to inhibit DNA histone modification, modulation of expression by the agents in a set of genes was compared with changes induced by inhibitors of DNA methylation or histone deacetylation. The phytochemicals modified protein and/or RNA expression of these genes, with EGCG eliciting the least and DIM the most changes in gene expression. DIM and curcumin decreased activator levels correlated with increased cell motility. Curcumin, DIM, EGCG, and genistein reduced cell sensitivity to radiation-induced DNA damage without affecting DNA repair.
The researchers concluded that this model has revealed that apoptosis and not arrest is likely to be responsible for growth inhibition. It also implicated new molecular targets and activities of the phytochemicals under conditions relevant to human exposure.
What are these compounds?
Each of these compounds is a phytochemical component of a superfood that has been found to confer great overall health benefits to those who consume it.
DIM and I3C
Diindolylmethane (DIM) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C) are components of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, kale, cauliflower, radish, collard greens, Chinese cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, bok choy, turnip greens, rutabaga, arugula, water cress, rapeseeds and mustard seeds.
DIM has been documented as effective against cancer through several actions. It stops tumors from establishing their own blood supply necessary for their continuation of growth. It reduces cancer cell viability and causes cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. DIM down regulates both the ligand and the receptor in breast cancer cells as well as in ovarian cancer cells at the transcriptional level and in an estrogen-independent manner. The potential for chemotaxis and invasion is inhibited by DIM, thereby lowering the invasive and metastatic potential of cancer cells. DIM us able to act independently of Her-2 or estrogen receptor status. It has been shown to be a preventative and/or therapeutic agent in prostate cancer, and is able to induce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in macrophages.
DIM is nature's hormone modulator. The metabolism and growth promoting activity of estrogen is modified by the intake of milligram amounts of dietary indoles from cruciferous vegetables. DIM is formed from its precursor indole, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), after the enzymatic release of I3C from parent glucosinolates found in these vegetables. DIM is unique among the phytonutrients with regard to its ability to favorably modify estrogen metabolism in the direction of greater 2-hydroxy estrogen production. Improper metabolism of estrogen allows damage to DNA and cancer promotion to take place.
Societies with low consumption of cruciferous vegetables have a high prevalence of estrogen related diseases, particularly breast and prostate cancers. Supplementing with DIM can restore and maintain a favorable estrogen metabolism and greatly lessen the risk for breast and other cancers. Addition of a DIM supplement ensures the hormones used in bioidentical hormone replacement are metabolized down the proper metabolic pathways. DIM has no estrogenic activity. It balances the natural response to estrogen. In dividing cells the growth promoting signal from estrogen is limited by the reduction of the activity level of the estrogen receptor system.
Supplements of I3C are available, but the compound is unstable in the body. I3C is a precursor indole, with little action in the body until it is converted to DIM by stomach acid.
DIM is the better choice for pre and post menopausal women and men interested in supplementing rather that getting these compounds directly from food. Although obtaining nutrients from food is always preferred, the amount of cruciferous vegetables needed to provide the benefits of DIM frequently make supplementation a better choice. Although there are several DIM products available, BioResponse DIM complex, a patented from of DIM offers enhanced bioavailability. DIM-Plus, the version of DIM made by Nature's Way, contains BioResponse DIM and is an economical choice, offered online at Vitacost.
ECGC
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (ECGC) is a particular type of polyphenol found in green tea, a substance shown to be a cure and preventative for many of the ills of mankind. In addition to being a powerful agent in the prevention and cure of cancer, it is an antioxidant, promoter of glucose tolerance, protector of the liver and detoxification system, and benefactor of the cardiovascular system.
Recent research has documented a 54% reduction in risk of ovarian cancer in women who reported drinking green tea. Another study found green tea to have therapeutic cancer effects through induction of apoptosis in colorectal cancer. It is also one of the few effective treatments for pancreatic cancer. As a preventative for all cancers, ECGC is able to penetrate the body's cells and shield DNA from the potent free radical hydrogen peroxide.
Green tea also lowers cholesterol levels, and reduces the clotting tendency of blood. It shows promise as a weight-loss aid that can promote the burning of fat and the regulation of insulin levels and blood sugar.
There are many green tea supplements on the market. Some of these contain the whole plant, while others contain extracts. Whole plant supplements are usually preferable because they are backed by the integrity of the whole plant. Many green tea extract supplements are standardized to provide a quantified amount of ECGC.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active ingredient in the bright yellow spice turmeric. It is one of nature's most powerful healers, having revealed its wonders over centuries. Numerous studies have shown curcumin to be as potent against inflammation as hydrocortisone, phenylbutazone, and over the counter NSAID drugs like Motrin, without the side effects. Its powerful antioxidant effects make it a popular natural therapeutic agent for diseases such as arthritis, where free radicals cause joint inflammation and damage. Studies have linked frequent use of turmeric to lower rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. It can prevent tumors from forming, and can slow the progression of cancer that is already present. Recent studies have documented that curcumin can slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs. Turmeric acts as a transcription factor, a master switch for gene regulation. When genes are switched off, the growth and invasion of cancer cells is halted.
Curcumin is even being used effectively to treat Alzheimer's disease due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Alzheimer's disease is thought to occur when a fragmented protein accumulates in brain cells producing oxidative stress and inflammation, and forming plaque between nerve cells in the brain that disrupt function. Turmeric may prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body, thereby preventing damage to blood vessels and causing build up of plaque that can result in heart attack or stroke.
Dried turmeric is widely available. Organically grown turmeric is preferable. Frequently spicing your cooking with turmeric is one option for consuming curcumin. It can be easily mixed with rice, egg salad or into the cottage cheese flax oil mixture that is the basis of the Budwig diet. Turmeric capsules are available. Nature's Way makes a turmeric capsule that is free of magnesium stearate, but it's not organic. Organic turmeric can be found in the spice department of health food stores such as Whole Foods, or ordered online in powered or capsule forms. Most naturopaths suggest starting with a dose three times the normal dosage suggested in order to quickly bring inflammation under control. Then proceed with the standard dose to maintain.
Genistein
Genistein is an isoflavone found primarily in soybeans and traditional foods produced from soybeans like tofu and miso. In addition to being an antioxidant, genistein is a phytoestrogen, a plant compound that mimics the actions of estrogen and interacts with estrogen receptor in the human body.
Genistein removes damaging free radicals and reduces lipid peroxidation. By preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, genistein helps reduce the risk for arteriosclerosis, and prevents the formation of heart attacks and strokes by acting as an anti-clotting agent. It increases the activity of other antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase. It can also influence the growth of cells that are not hormone-dependent. Genistein inhibits the rate of cell growth through its ability to inhibit tyrosine kinase.
Studies have shown that genistein reduces the risk for the hormone related cancers, breast and prostate, by binding with estrogen receptors, preventing estrogen from binding. Consumption of traditional soybean products in China and Japan is linked with low incidence of these cancers. And since genistein imitates estrogen, it may be protective against osteoporosis. It is frequently used to ease menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.
Before genistein can act, it must be released from its precursor. This normally happens in the stomach and intestine through hydrolysis. Some genistein supplements contain genistein that has been hydrolysed in processing. Source Naturals produces genistein as a supplement. It is available at health food stores and online.
Source:
"Genistein" Phytochemicals.
About the author
Barbara is a school psychologist, a published author in the area of personal finance, a breast cancer survivor using "alternative" treatments, a born existentialist, and a student of nature and all things natural.
Courtesy Natural News
http://www.naturalnews.com
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Spices do more than make food taste great. Recent research is showing that spices can promote health and well being through a series of actions that are anti-aging and inhibiting of degenerative disease. The vegetarian diet so often associated with good health and lack of disease relies heavily on the use of spice. But you don't have to be a vegetarian to gain the amazing health benefits these inexpensive flavor enhancers have to offer.
The addition of spices can turn up the taste of almost any food. Add some chili pepper, cumin or turmeric to mashed potatoes or rice. Sprinkle marjoram or rosemary on your salads, and dress up cottage cheese with whatever spicy flavor appeals to you. Add spice to vegetable dishes and sprinkle it on meats, poultry or fish before cooking. Spice up your veggie juices and smoothies. Any way you do it, adding spice means adding a wealth of health benefits.
Recent research continues to show the power of these natural medicines
Spices have more antioxidant power, measure for measure, than fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help prevent cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and premature aging. In a study reported in the British Journal of Nutrition, fifteen aromatic herbs and spices consumed in Central Italy as part of the Mediterranean diet were studied to reveal total phenolic, flavonoid and flavanol content as well as their antioxidant potential as measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Comparison was made between salads to which aromatic herbs had been added. The addition of lemon balm and marjoram increased by 150% and 200% respectively the antioxidant capacity of a salad portion, corresponding to an intake of 200 mg. of phenolics and 4000 ORAC units. Among other spices tested, cumin and fresh ginger made the most significant contribution to antioxidant capacity.
Another study reported in the Journal of Medicine and Food examined the effects of a spice mixture on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant potential in tissues of insulin-resistant rats. Addition of the spice mixture reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation (break down of fats resulting in free radical formation) markers in tissues and improved glucose metabolism and antioxidant status of the rats even though they continued to be fed their fructose diet.
A study in Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids reported that spices possess antioxidant activity that can preserve the integrity of lipids and reduce lipid peroxidation. Researchers investigated the antioxidant activities of selected spice extracts on peroxidation. The spices tested were garlic, ginger, onion, mint, cloves, cinnamon and pepper. Cloves exhibited the highest and onion showed the least antioxidant activity. The relative antioxidant activities decreased in the order of cloves, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, garlic, mint and onion. Spices mixes of ginger, onion and garlic; onion and ginger; and ginger and garlic showed cumulative inhibition of lipid peroxidation, exhibiting synergistic antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of the spice extracts was retained even after boiling for 30 minutes, indicating that the spice constituents were resistant to thermal denaturing.
The Journal of Medicine and Food also reported an investigation in which researchers bought 24 herbs and spices at a local supermarket. After testing them they found that many appeared to have the power to inhibit tissue damage and inflammation brought on by high blood-sugar levels in the body. They inhibited the glycation process which has been linked to inflammation and tissue damage in diabetics. The spices with the greatest effects were cloves, cinnamon, allspice, apple pie spice, and pumpkin pie spice. Top herbs included marjoram, sage and thyme.
Another study from the Journal of Medicine and Food investigated the effects of red chili, cumin, and black pepper on colon cancer induced in rats. They found that cumin and black pepper suppressed the onset of colon cancer.
Aspergillus parasiticus, commonly known as aflatoxin, is a carginogenic mold that is found on improperly stored grains and peanuts. In a study reported in the Journal of Medicine and Food, the inhibitory effects of 16 spice hydrosols (anise, basil, cumin, dill, Aegean sage, fennel, laurel, mint, oregano, pickling herb, rosemary, sage, savory, sea fennel, sumac and thyme) on the aflatoxin strain were investigated in vitro. The hydrosols of anise, cumin, fennel, mint, pickling herb, oregano, savory, and thyme showed a strong inhibitory effect, while sumac, sea fennel, rosemary, sage, Aegean saage, laural, basil and rosemary were unable to totally inhibit the growth.
These researchers also studied the effects essential oils from of black thyme, cumin, fennel, laurel, marjoram, mint, oregano, pickling herb, sage, savory and thyme against Bacillus species of bacteria. All of the tested oils except laurel showed antibacterial activity against one or more of the Bacillus species used in the study. Researchers concluded that essential oils of some spices may be used as antimicrobial agents to prevent the spoilage of food products. Foods that will be left standing out for a period of time without refrigeration can be made safe with the addition of some of these spices and herbs.
Spices that stand out for their health benefits
All spices confer a list of health benefits. The addition of any of them to a prepared dish, drink, or in a supplement form will help to reduce free radical damage and combat the effects of aging. Here are a few spices that offer outstanding benefits.
Cinnamon – Three key proteins are highly important in insulin signaling, glucose transport and inflammatory response, according to Richard Anderson, researcher with the U.S.D.A. Cinnamon has insulin-like qualities that come from the release of these proteins. His and other studies have shown that just 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon a day can help lower the risk of the constellation of factors associated with metabolic syndrome – high blood cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels – by as much as 10 to 30 percent.
A study in Hormone Metabolism Research found that cinnamon prevents insulin resistance even in animals eating a high-fructose diet.
Cinnamon is anti-microbial and can stop the growth of bacteria, fungi and yeast. A study in the International Journal of Food Microbiology found that a few drops of cinnamon essential oil added to carrot broth were able to preserve it and fight pathogens.
Cinnamon has anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce clumping of blood platelets. It is suspected that cinnamon boosts brain function. Of all the spices, cinnamon is one of the richest sources of antioxidants.
Ginger – Gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger, has been shown to significantly help with nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness. It was found to be as twice as effective as Dramamine in preventing motion sickness. It is a powerful antioxidant, and is thought to relax blood vessels, stimulate blood flow and relieve pain. It is a common digestive aid and useful for people suffering the side effects of chemotherapy. Its anti-inflammatory abilities make it useful in fighting heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and arthritis.
Oregano – Thymol and carvacrol are two of oregano's potent antibacterial properties. A study in Mexico found oregano to be more effective against an amoeba than a common prescription drug called tinidazol. Oregano works in the intestinal tract to kill unfriendly bacteria without damage to the friendly bacteria. It is a effective against candida albicans overgrowth throughout the body, and particularly in the sinus cavities. It has 4 times the antioxidant activity of blueberries.
Rosemary – In winter, a rosemary bush inside the house in acts as a natural air cleaner and freshener, along with being a source for the herb to use in cooking. Rosemary stops gene mutations that could lead to cancer, and may help prevent damage to the blood vessels, thereby reducing heart attack risk.
Turmeric – This bright yellow spice of Indian cuisine is one of nature's most powerful healers. It is a potent anti-inflammatory that acts as effectively as drugs like hydrocortisone, phenylbutazone and Motrin. It is helpful with inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Recent research shows it as positive for cardiovascular and liver protection.
When combined with cruciferous vegetables, turmeric has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate tumors. It prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice. It may prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to die. Turmeric may also prevent metastasis from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
Turmeric has been shown to reduce the risk of childhood leukemia, and shows promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis. It is a natural liver detoxifier and one of nature's most effective pain relievers through inhibition of COX-2.
Garlic – This wonder drug of nature destroys cancer cells and may disrupt the metabolism of tumor cells. Studies show that two cloves of garlic weekly provide cancer-protective benefits. A recent study showed that eating garlic boosts the body's supply of hydrogen sulfide, which acts as an antioxidant and transmits cellular signals that relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.
In another recent study, researchers extracted juice from supermarket garlic and added small amounts to human red blood cells. The cells immediately began emitting hydrogen sulfide. This ability to increase hydrogen sulfide production may explain why a garlic rich diet is so protective against various cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancer. It may also explain why garlic appears to protect the heart. A recent study found that injecting hydrogen sulfide into mice almost completely prevented the damage to heart muscle cause by a heart attack.
Garlic has a reputation as preventative and treatment for the common cold. It's used to treat the symptoms of acne and there is evidence that it can assist in managing high cholesterol levels. It even appears to be a natural mosquito repellent.
Sage – This herb contains flavonoids, phenolic acids and oxygen handling enzymes. This results in its ability to prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. Sage may fight rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma and atherosclerosis. It appears to promote better brain function. A study showed that people given sage essential oil had significantly improved recall abilities compared to those given a placebo.
Red chili peppers – These peppers contain capsaicin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that helps relieve pain. They ease congestion and clear mucus from the lungs and nose, boost immunity, prevent stomach ulcers by killing bacteria, assist in weight loss, reduce blood cholesterol, manage triglyceride levels, and prevent cancer including stomach cancer.
Coriander – This herb is effective against swelling, high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, anemia, digestion, menstrual disorders, conjunctivitis, and skin disorders. It is antioxidant rich and contains vitamins A and C, and minerals. It is protective of the eye by preventing macular degeneration and soothing the eye against stress. It has a stimulating effect on the endocrine system which in turn stimulates the production of insulin, resulting in increased insulin in the blood to aid in proper assimilation and absorption of sugar and lower the sugar level in the blood.
Parsley – Chief among the abilities of parsley is cancer fighting. Animal studies have shown that parsley inhibits tumor formation, particularly in the lungs. It neutralizes carcinogens including those found in cigarette smoke. It is a good source of antioxidants and heart-healthy nutrients such as beta-carotene, folic acid, and vitamins A and C.
Sources:
"Health Benefits of Coriander," Organic Facts.
"Spice of Life: Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs," Mind, Body and Spirit Fitness.
Howard Dratch, "Spice Up Your Life: The Health Benefits of Spices," BC Sci/Tech.
"20 Health Benefits of Turmeric," Eat This.
Tara Parker-Pope, "Unlocking the Benefits of Garlic," The New York Times, October 15, 2007.
About the author
Barbara is a school psychologist, a published author in the area of personal finance, a breast cancer survivor using "alternative" treatments, a born existentialist, and a student of nature and all things natural.
Courtesy Natural News http://www.naturalnews.com
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Ginkgo herb supplement could guard against stroke
The popular herbal supplement Ginkgo could protect the brain against the effects of a stroke, a new study shows.
Researchers found that Ginkgo supplements reduced the amount of damage caused in the brains of mice by 50 per cent.
The herb also appeared to reduce the amount of paralysis and limb weakness that the animals suffered.
Dr Sylvain Dore, from Johns Hopkins Institutions in Baltimore, who carried out the study, said: "Our results suggest that some element or elements in Ginkgo actually protect brain cells during stroke.
"If further work confirms what we've seen, we could theoretically recommend a daily regimen of Ginkgo to people at high risk of stroke as a preventive measure against brain damage."
The mice were given daily doses of the supplement for a week before the scientists induced strokes in the animals by blocking an key artery to the brain.
Tests were then carried out on the mice and another group who also had stroke induced.
The results showed that mice treated with Ginkgo had 50.9 per cent less neurological dysfunction than untreated mice.
The areas of their brains that became damaged were also almost 50 per cent smaller, the findings, published in the journal Stroke, show.
Dr Dore said: "It's still a large leap from rodent brains to human brains but these result strongly suggest that further research into the protective effects of Ginkgo is warranted."
Ginkgo is often taken by older people to improve their memory, and at least 100,000 people in Britain are thought to take it regularly.
By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent
Last Updated: 9:06PM BST 09 Oct 2008
Courtesy Natural News
http://www.naturalnews.com
Courtesy Daily Telegraph UK
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/health/3167303/Ginkgo-herb-supplement-could-guard-against-stroke.html
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What happens when 12 000 people send their intention for peace at the same time, eight days long, for 10 minutes a day, directed at the same region? Well, according to preliminary results of the first intention experiment directed by Lynn McTaggart, this does have a significant influence on the overall peace levels. A few weeks ago the first global peace intention experiment took place, this was part of the largest mind-over-matter experiments in history. The architect of the experiments is Lynn McTaggart, author of the bestselling books "The Intention Experiment" and "The Field". The aim of the experiment is to "test the power of group intention to lower violence in a succession of areas around the world noted for high levels of violence." Today, one month after the first experiment, the preliminary data starts rolling in...
Collective thought has the power to change the world
In 2006-2007 Lynn McTaggart has scientifically demonstrated, with a series of experiments, that a 'group mind' can:
Make seeds grow twice as high as normal
Change basic physical properties of leaves
Alter the essential structure of water
Change physical properties in a plant and a human being
McTaggart is one of the pioneers in the world today who offers scientific demonstrations that collective thoughts have the power to change the world. The studies mentioned above have been presented at the Society for Scientific Exploration annual meeting in June 2008.
Leading physicists and psychologists from the University of Arizona, Pennsylvania State University, St. Petersburg Technical University, the International Institute of Biophysics and the former PEAR lab at Princeton University, have all worked with Lynn McTaggart.
Peace Intention experiments?
The peace intention experiments where sparked by the large number of Transcendental Meditation (TM) studies that where conducted. These showed, that if a critical mass of people regularly meditated in a certain area, the crime rate goes down. One of those studies attempted to use meditation to diminish the Palestininan conflict in 1983. It showed, that fatalities in Lebanon fell by 76 per cent on days with a high number of meditators. Although the TM studies where highly successful, The Peace Intention Experiment goes one step further, by letting the group send a specific intention, instead of general meditation.
The scientific team, responsible for maintaining the strict protocal and measuring violence levels before and after, includes:
Dr. Robert Jahn, former dean of engineering at Princeton University and former director of the PEAR Lab
Psychologist Brenda Dunne, also formerly of the PEAR Lab
Psychologist Gary Schwartz of the University of Arizona, and director of the Laboratory for Advancement of Consciousness and Health, who has run many healing energy experiments
Psychologist Roger Nelson, formerly of Princeton University, and director of the Global Consciousness Project
Dr. Jessica Utts, professor of statistics at the University of California at Davis, considered the world's leading statistician of consciousness research
The pilot study: Sri Lanka
11 468 Participants
The first peace intention experiment started on September 14th and ran for eight consecutive days, on which at least 11 468 people took part. The participants came from more than 65 countries, top ranking countries were the US, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, South Africa, Germany, Australia, Belgium, Spain and Mexico.
Target: the Wanni region in Sri Lanka
The experiment focused on the Wanni region. For most people, a quit unknown part of the earth. Nevertheless, they have suffered a civil war for 25 years, with more suicide bombing then anywhere.
How to get 11 468 people together
The intention experiment set up a website, where the participants could login just before the daily experiment began. The web pages flipped over automatically and guided the participants through the experiment. The experiment schedule looked like this:
0:00 Power Up, prepare yourself mentally for the study.
0:05 Page automatically flips over. Study intention target
0:10 Page flips over. Experiment begins.
0:20 Experiment ends. Join the Intention Experiment forum.
During the experiment phase, the website played nice, relaxing music and showed images of Sri Lankans in peace. The intention was the following:
"My intention is for peace and cooperation to be restored in the Wanni region of Sri Lanka and for all war-related deaths and violence to be reduced by at least 10 per cent"
Positive results – Some preliminary statistics
Jessica Utts, professor of Statistics at University of California at Irvine, is responsible for the statistical processing of the experiment's data.
Before the intention study, the Wanni Region has averaged 102 deaths per week. Strangely enough, according to Lynn McTaggart, the intentions had the initial effect of increasing violence. Since there was a last surge of attacks by the Sri Lankan government, who wanted to quash the Tamil Tiger rebels once and for all. This brought on 461 murders in the eight days of the experiment, which is a great increase. Luckily, the data does not end here...
In the 24 days following the experiment, violence levels immediately plunged down and stayed low ever since. The weekly average death rate in the Wanni region dropped by
49 per cent!
Interestingly enough, the Eastern part of Sri Lanka, experienced the same evolution. The death rate heightened during the experiment period, and then fell by 68.4 per cent.
These statistics are given by Lynn McTaggart directly in her newsletter. However, they are preliminary, once there are more numbers available, the long term effect will become visible.
Participant responses
The experiment was followed by discussions in the specially set up web forum, where lots of people spoke about the lovely feelings of peace they experienced during the intention. One topic that came up a few times was the surprising use of low-energy words in the intention:
"My intention is for peace and cooperation to be restored in the Wanni region of Sri Lanka and for all war-related deaths and violence to be reduced by at least 10 per cent"
A lot of people found it hard to visualize a reduction of war. Whereas an increase in peace would be much easier to picture. Just try not to think about a pink elephant... In line with the philosophy of best selling author Yvonne Oswald PhD, we can say that if you think about the word "war", you will put this vibration out into the world, it doesn't matter if you think about "less war" or "less death", the vibration of this low energy word will remain present.
Lynn McTaggart did respond to this, suggesting a possible change for the future (non-pilot) studies.
Healing the earth
McTaggart's valuable research is not only useful to create global peace. She has been working with Dr. Rustum Roy, to create a mass experiment to purify polluted water, by using thoughts to mutate bacteria. Another extremely interesting project of McTaggart is conducted together with the University of Arizona, where they are constructing a miniature ecosystem and are attempting to lower the temperature inside. If this experiment has significant effect, it would mean that our collective thoughts could tackle global warming... So start thinking positive today!
Sources
thepeaceintentionexperiment.com
theintentionexperiment.com
Lynn McTaggart's Newsletter
About the author
Dorien Herremans MSc is the founder of projects such as http://raw-vegan.org (business directory, recipes, videos, blogs, etc), http://rawvegancounter.com and http://rawvegandating.com . She is also editor of http://newearthnews.org.
Courtesy Natural News
http://naturalnews.com
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