twenty questions of intelligence

[AntonioLao]

The answers are in the 20 amino acids of proteins. Scientists have been searching for the genes responsible for intelligence. But the intelligence genes are not genes at all since they are not made of DNAs or RNAs. In facts, they are simple protein molecules made from organic compounds of the amino and the carboxyl monomers forming polypeptides of polymers. In humans, there are 10 essential and 10 non-essential amino acids. The latter can be synthesized within the body while the former will have to be supplied in the daily diet. Various other amino acids fulfill important role in metabolic processes other than as constituents of proteins. Which combinations are responsible for the metabolic or electrochemical process of intelligence remain unclear. However, it can be hypothesized that it is acquired from the 10 essential amino acids.

Biologically speaking, there are two metabolic pathways: catabolism and anabolism. The first is responsible for breaking down complex molecules from food into simpler molecules which simultaneously produce energy to be used in all bodily functions such as muscles contraction and nerve impulses transmission. The second is responsible for combining simple molecules into complex ones for building storage compounds such as starch, glycogen, fats, and proteins. Nonetheless, anabolic reactions would still require the energy provided by the ATP (adenosine triphosphate) produced by the catabolic reactions and ATP are the universal energy carriers of living cells. Since proteins are by-product of anabolic reactions these are also responsible for making the intelligence proteins called prions. Moreover, prions must be provided wholly or partially from the 10 essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine. 20 questions are now reduced to 10. These indicate that the acquisition of intelligence is directly related to the food being eaten by the people who have abundant access to these 10 essential amino acids. Whenever these are provided at the prenatal stage of human development the birth of a genius is certainly a foregone conclusion which makes the true statement that every can be an Einstein.

[labelwench]

It has long been said that 'we are what we eat', and the debate rages over what diet is best suited to our kind.

Interesting that no other creature seems to be in such confusion as to the niche that it's food supply comes from.

Based on several years of research and working with my Mother and a few others who are interested in managing their health and well-being with a minimum of medical intervention, the journey continues, and it is fascinating.

Though we may be of similar origin, the areas in which we have evolved, and the foods there available, would lead me to conclude that there is no one diet that is best suited to all. Most will survive on a number of staple, non-allergenic foods that seem tolerable to everyone, but to truly thrive, we have each evolved different coping strategies and mechanisms.

(Are you still roasting 'couch potatoes', Antonio, lol......)

[AntonioLao]

Are you still roasting 'couch potatoes'

I will leave that for the cannivalists. My question is can there be food for criminals, terrorists, or sociopaths which can change their mentality for good?

[labelwench]

My question is can there be food for criminals, terrorists, or sociopaths which can change their mentality for good?
Originally posted by AntonioLao

Research on the connection between a person's mood and the food he or she eats has reveled what many people have long believed, that eating a certain food can influence a person's mood—at least temporarily. Research by Judith Wurtman, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has focused on how certain foods alter one's mood by influencing the level of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters . While many other factors influence the level of these chemicals, such as hormones , heredity, drugs , and alcohol, three neurotransmitters—dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin —have been studied in relation to food, and this research has shown that neurotransmitters are produced in the brain from components of certain foods.

May I suggest the question you propose is not encouraging as a test model, as there are too many factors that have gone into the choices leading to someone becoming one of the individuals that you list.

It is hypothesized that a nurturing environment and a healthy diet might decrease the number of individuals that would choose such recourse, and that providing such conditions to persons with such background may potentially recondition some.

Through the transmission of damaged genetic material, in-utero complications, early childhood trauma, injury, disease or social conditioning, there are just too many factors for diet, alone, to address. Lives have been changed by 'life-style change', and diet is a good place to start, but there must be consistency on many levels, if one hopes for a positive outcome.

Unless one is envisioning the isolation of a compound that would, in effect, quell any and all aggressive thought and action.

There is at least one herb with such potential properties, well known in Eastern culture, and not unknown in the west, yet it, and even certain flowers, are illegal to cultivate.

DIET-MOOD CONNECTION
Nutrient Food sources Neurotransmitter/mechanism Proposed effect
Protein Meat, Milk, Eggs, Cheese, Fish, Beans Dopamine, Norepinephrine Increased alertness, concentration
Carbohydrate (CHO) Grains, Fruits, Sugars Serotonin Increased calmness, relaxation
Calories All Foods Reduced blood flow to the brain Excess calories in a meal is associated with decreased alertness and concentration after the meal

http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Met-Ob...tionships.html

[AntonioLao]

The first law of Nature is the power law of choice. One can choose to eat or not to eat, to live or to die but having no choice can make one acts to destroy. On the other hand, infinite choices make one inactive and passive.

[labelwench]

The first law of Nature is the power law of choice. One can choose to eat or not to eat, to live or to die but having no choice can make one acts to destroy. On the other hand, infinite choices make one inactive and passive.

You make a good point, about the option of choice, Antonio.

Too many options can be paralyzing, as we analyze the potentials of each choice, and may become fearful of losing an opportunity through selecting the wrong option. I was taught that the only bad decision was no decision, unless the circumstances required patience or timing in the choice.

Likewise, to dis-empower another, or even to be too accommodating, is the surest way to lose their respect, and even incur enmity, as by such action, we are depriving them of their natural right.

The right of own choice, no matter the outcome.

[AntonioLao]

Regarding the option of choice, why then didnt the advertising companies went out of business? On the contrary why advertisements are the biggest money making enterprises?

[labelwench]

Regarding the option of choice, why then didnt the advertising companies went out of business? On the contrary why advertisements are the biggest money making enterprises?

Advertising buys into our 'natural selection process' as it relates to our 'advantage seeking nature', most usually termed the 'will to survive.'

Whether we have a commodity or service to market, or are seeking the most advantageous among the choices available, it is a means whereby we can extend our range of influence and selection, without expending greater energy in doing so.

Whomever came up with the idea of 'doing the legwork for us', was very clever indeed....

In my own small business of past, my only venue of advertising was my business card and word of mouth. Students would ask if they might present one of my cards to a potential candidate, which we both evaluated from the perspective of what two-way benefits would accrue. In taking on horses to board, I likewise selected 'value-added' horses, with owners who shared my philosophy of interaction with the horse, and who desired lessons for themselves and instruction for their mount.

This process of controlled expansion was exceptionally successful, and it was climate change and the time in life for new challenges that led me to leave that chapter behind and move on to the current one.....

[AntonioLao]

Could the vivid colors of the plumage of the peacock be considered as natural advertisement? Could we say natural advertisements are intimately related to natural selections and survival of the fittest? On the other hand, color and beauty do not relate to intelligence. However, intelligent people would know what food to eat or not to eat regardless of their constant subliminal projections in TV ads.

[labelwench]

Could the vivid colors of the plumage of the peacock be considered as natural advertisement? Could we say natural advertisements are intimately related to natural selections and survival of the fittest? On the other hand, color and beauty do not relate to intelligence. However, intelligent people would know what food to eat or not to eat regardless of their constant subliminal projections in TV ads.

Yes. Nature advertises that her business is the continuation of life, and every species of flower and creature has evolved it's own mechanisms for advertising when the timing of procreation is at hand, thereby enabling pollination and mate selection. For species which practice asexual reproduction, I have less understanding of their timing for such decision.

As regards intelligent people and their decision making, I would have to observe that people do not always predicate their decisions based on intelligence. Other factors become entangled and while it seems logical to make such a deduction, that is not my observation.

Back to natural advertisement.

From fruit flies to elephants, females pick the male (or males) with which they want to mate. The males, in turn, compete with each other to get a female's attention, each vying to show her that he will be the best sperm donor for her babies. That is why, evolutionary biologists say, males are most often the ornamented sex. It is why the male peacock unfurls his dazzling train, why male guppies are adorned with bright orange and blue spots, why male frogs call and male canaries sing. It is even why the genitalia of many males, particularly insects, are as fancy as an Aborigine's embellished didgeridoo, with accoutrements far beyond what's required to get the job done.

"Basically, the male wants access to the female's eggs," explains William Eberhard, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Costa Rica. "And he'll do whatever it takes to please her. But it's her game; she sets the rules. And she makes the choice."

http://science.nationalgeographic.co...on.html#page=2