Human evolutionary psychology: Areas of research

In human evolutionary psychology, many areas of research exist. It can be divided into three big groups.

survival,
mating and
evolutionary developmental psychology.

The sorting is based on adaptive problems that arise from the extensive theory of evolution itself.

Survival

Human evolutionary psychology has many postulates. The postulate for the need of hunting during the beginnings of the human era explains the coming together of human association as a psychological mechanism. Men were the food contributor for their family and through hunting had to risk their lives for such difficult tasks. Thus all men had to come together; they hunted with other men and shared their food. These human coalitions can be seen even today

Morning sickness in women is one form of evolutionary adaptive ness that can be found even today. Women’s bodies have adapted to the dangers that the surroundings may pose to the developing foetus over the many years when they eat something. Many women experience disgust and even vomit which is one of body’s ways of coping with the toxins in the environment and keeping them from reaching the baby during this significant period when the vital organs are being formed. Thus, the function of this physiological reaction was to protect the foetus.

Mating

Human evolutionary psychologists aim to look into evolved mechanisms to attract and secure mates. Mate selection, mate poaching, and mate retention are some of the few lines of research. Sexual reproduction is the means by which genes are proliferated for the further generations, and thus sexual selection plays a large role in studying the direction of human evolution.

Based on elaborate research on human evolutionary psychology, important predictions have been made about the different strategies men and women use in the mating. One of the primary things that are revealed is that women will be more selective when choosing mates, whereas men will not, particularly under short-term mating conditions. The term sexual jealousy has been described wherein females will react more aversively to emotional betrayal and males will react more aversively to sexual betrayal. The costs involved in mating for each sex are different, thus such patterns are predicted.

Women prefer a mate with a relatively higher degree of availability of resources (e.g., financial, commitment), and thus putting more herself at risk for losing those valued qualities in a mate who gives into emotional infidelity. Whereas men are restricted by the fact that they do not bear the offspring themselves and thus for a man it becomes the thing of pride because investing resources in another man’s offspring does not lead to proliferation of the man’s own genes.

Evolutionary developmental psychology

Due to continuous research in human evolutionary psychology, researchers have come up with a postulate that longevity improves the endurance of babies because while the parents were out hunting, the grand-parents were concerned for the infants. Thus giving an apt answer for the fundamental question raised as to why humans live so long after reproduction, since according to human evolutionary psychology, what matters most is that individuals live long enough to reproduce and pass on their genes for the next generation.

Also, evolutionary selection decrease with age. Many harmful conditions and non-adaptive distinctiveness that appear among older adults who frequently suffer the pains, aches, and infirmities of aging has not been got rid by natural selection. Consequently, as the usefulness of human evolutionary selection decrease with age, the need for culture increases.

http://www.humanpsychology.org/2010/05/human-evolutionary-psychology-areas-of.html

Tips On Skin Care Related To Longevity

It is quite normal to expect people to want to look attractive and this might explain why anti-ageing skin care products are so successful; as we are living far longer than previous generations it is a good idea to look after your physical appearance. This is achieved in beauty products by promoting the growth of connective tissue using the protein collagen which is the most abundant in the skin of all animals; approximately one quarter of the protein contained in skin is collagen. Collagen is related to other anti-ageing substances found in the body and other substances; this group is called antioxidants which are natural chemicals found in many foods and our body.

You probably know many anti-oxidants by name, including vitamin C, the use of which is still, even now, hotly debated in the science and nutrition community. Unfortunately all skin care treatments that use vitamin C have the problem of atmospheric oxidization to contend with once the product is exposed to the air.

Other skin care treatments which mimic the effects of vitamin C are being tried all the time which are hoped to be more stable in the atmosphere and also cheaper to produce. However, these anti-ageing skin care treatments are not as effective vitamin C based products, although vitamin E and lipoic acid are also anti-oxidants and have similar effects.

Vitamin E has many functions including inhibiting the formation of cancer cells. It is found in the blood it is an antioxidant that is also used to increase the body’s defenses against other diseases. On the other hand, lipoic acid or alpha-lipoic acid is necessary for energy production which keeps us alive; it is in every human cell and another function is to repair skin damage caused by the normal ageing process.

Other compounds called phytochemicals have proved to be beneficial in the formulation of anti-ageing skin care products; they are removed from various plants. A secondary but more important use of phytochemicals is the effect they have on the prevention of breast, prostate and colon cancers.

It has also been discovered that there are anti-ageing benefits to vitamins B5, B6 and B12. Although the area of anti-ageing skin care products is huge, more is being learnt about the whole ageing process and about natural products that can reduce the effects it has on our bodies as well as our skin.

There is no doubt that what has been learned so far is only a small part of the jigsaw puzzle but research is moving forward rapidly and it is only a matter of time before a new generation of products becomes available. In time it is hoped that less expensive and more reliable anti-ageing skin care products will become available for a larger number of people to use.

At the moment though, science is still behind the field of natural anti-ageing methods and it might take some time to replace them. Simple things that can make a difference in slowing the signs of ageing; these include physical activity, restful sleep, maintaining good dietary habits and removing stress from your life.

Herbal Tonic: Jiaogulan Tonic Jule of the Orient for Health and Longevity

The most protective and health-restoring herbals are the liquid preparations called tonics, a name derived from their ability to keep the body’s system and energies in tone. Tonics are a mainstay of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the world’s most comprehensive system of natural healing. In TCM,  herbal tonic is said to have a protective, balancing, and energizing quality that benefits one’s entire well-being and creates “radiant health”. Many of the ancient tonic formulas in TCM still enjoy great popularity today, both at home and around the world. And yet, the tonic herb with perhaps the most profound benefits for human health is little known outside of China. Its name is jiaogulan (jee-ow-goo-lahn), and it is Nature’s Greatest Treasure for health and longevity. The research and tradition suggest 26 compelling reasons to drink the premier jiaogulan tonic, Jule of the Orient.

Jule of the Orient is an energizing patent pending blend of jiaogulan— known in China as the “Immortality Herb” — and 21 carefully selected, health-promoting supernutrients from around the world. Jule gives you the adaptogens, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that you need to live life to the fullest!

-Features a patent pending jiaogulan blend, providing a high level of bioactive gypenoside saponins along with the entire spectrum of health-promoting nutrients from the freeze-dried whole herb and juice pressed from the leaf, stem, and root.

-Phytonutrient-rich formula delivers the antioxidant capacity of 15 servings of fruits and vegetables in just 4 ounces.

-As a tonic with unsurpassed super-adaptogenic qualities, Jule brings balance to the body under a wide range of stressful circumstances.

-Offers powerful anti-aging and immune system support.

-Delivers smooth, long-lasting energy that you can really feel!

-Formulated with 21 carefully selected synergistic supernutrients for optimal health and wellness.

Ingredients: Patent pending reconstituted blend of jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) from standardized high gypenoside saponin plant extract, freeze-dried whole herb and juice from leaf, stem and root; standardized extracts of whole Lycium barbarum fruit, açai fruit, Japanese sophora bud, amalaki fruit, aronia fruit, astragalus root, camu-camu fruit, codonopsis root, elderberry fruit, ginger root, jujube fruit, longan fruit, luo han guo fruit, pomegranate fruit, rhodiola root, schisandra fruit and bilberry fruit; blueberry juice, lychee fruit juice, cranberry juice and cherry juice concentrate, in a base of organic cane juice with natural flavors, malic acid (fruit acid to balance pH), and less than 1/10th of 1% sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate added to maintain freshness.

Recommendations: drink 1 to 2 ounces twice daily. If desired, Jule can be mixed with water or the beverage of your choice. Shake well before using and refrigerate after opening. Herbal tonic contains no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.

I invite you to starting drinking herbal tonic Jule each day as an easy way to radically improve your health and well-being.

Anti Aging Treatment – Antioxidant Food, Skincare And Longevity

What would happen if someone hit upon a magic potion, an instant way to a youthful you? One gulp and there you would be – your wrinkles gone, energy bursting from each and every pore radiating a youthful glow! Research shows that while we cannot stop the aging process, we can definitely control the rate at which we age. Aging occurs when our cells are permanently damaged by continuous attacks triggered by chemical particles and free radicals. These are free oxygen radicals with unpaired electrons. They are highly unstable and reactive, and have the potential to cause severe damage to cell structure. This damage accumulates over a period of time and manifest in the form of old age.

But where do these free radicals come from? Free radicals are formed through metabolic processes like digestion and respiration, when the body is eliminating toxins or fighting diseases. In addition external factors like air pollution, radiation (exposure to sunlight), cigarette smoke, insecticides, herbicides and unhealthy eating habits also generate free radicals within the body.

When you peel a banana and leave it out in the open, it turns black. In scientific terms, it has oxidized or aged. Similarly, the human body is constantly being bombarded by life erasing free radicals which make is age. The only way to slow down the process and stabilize free radicals is to neutralize them with the help of antioxidants, i.e. compounds that can give up one of their electrons without becoming unstable themselves. By consuming antioxidant rich food we can neutralize ninety nine per cent of free radical damage. In this way, we can return the free radicals to their normal state and curb their destructive activities. These antioxidants are all around us in the form of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. The three basic antioxidants are Vitamin C, E and Beta-Carotene.

Vitamin C

Recognized as one of the most powerful antioxidants, it enhances the benefits of most other antioxidants. A regular intake of about 500mg of vitamin C is one of the most economic ways to healthier living. It keeps diseases at bay, boosts immunity, strengthens the blood vessels and promotes the formation of white blood cells which are the soldiers of our body.

Beta-carotene

Did you know that a single large glass of carrot juice a day can give us more than 15,000 IU of Beta-carotene! The body uses beta-carotene to make vitamin A which helps boost the immune system, improves the rate of wound healing, improves skin quality, prevents dryness of skin, prevents hair loss and reduces the risk of cancer.

Vitamin E

It protects the blood vessels, dissolves blood clots, thins the blood and prevents strokes. It prevents oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL). It protects the lungs against pollution and is a powerful wound healer. It is known to prevent the growth of breast tumours, thus reducing the risk of cancer. A dosage of 100 IU to 400 IU a day is recommended in order to get protection against heart diseases. As vitamin E is fat-soluble, it is concentrated in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains and wheatgerm. It is virtually impossible to get 400 IU just by way of food. To obtain that from food you will have to eat at least six cups of almonds, or six pounds of wheatgerm, or twenty-five cups of peanuts! Therefore, it is advisable to take it in the form of supplements, which are available as alpha tocopherol.

Caution: People taking blood-thinning medication, should avoid taking vitamin E supplements.

Tips for anti aging treatment

Eat at least 4-5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Make sure you eat different types of fruits and vegetables as each one has a unique set of antioxidants

A glass of vegetable juice a day can keep the aging devil away! Raw vegetable juice is full of both known and unknown antioxidants

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables rather than canned ones as canning destroys a number of antioxidants

Go for deep colured fruits and vegetables. They have more antioxidant punch than the light colored ones

Switch over to olive oil for cooking and use virgin olive oil to make salad dressing

Say no to oily stuff and consume less oil, not more than two or three teaspoon per day. Excessive fat intake increases free radical activity

Never use hydrogenated oils like margarine, as it increases the risk of heart disease. Hydrogenated oils also produce more free radicals in the body which pre pone the aging process

Reduce the intake of animal fat as it is saturated and causes free radical damage. These types of fats include cheese, whole milk, ghee, red meat, beef, veal, skin of chicken etc. Reduce intake of red meat like pork, beef etc. /eat white meat like chicken, turkey and fish. Do not eat the skin of chicken

Add years to your life by eating more fish. It contains Omega – 3 fatty acids, which are heart friendly. But remember, deep frying the fish negates its anti-aging properties. So steam the fish, poach it or prepare a curry. Fish oil are known to contain antioxidants and they also unclogs the arteries

If you are a vegetarian, you can get the benefit of Omega – 3 fatty acids in certain plants foods like wheatgerm oil, walnut oil, almond oil, flaxseed oil and oil extracted from soyabeans

Switch over to green tea as it s packed with antioxidants that will slow down your aging process

Ban sugar and refined flour from your kitchen. It will help you in live longer

Take vitamin E supplements as it prevent oxidation

Eat more garlic. Studies indicate that eating raw garlic blocks the oxidation of fat present in meats

Eat in moderation. Eating and drinking in excess is harmful

Maintain a positive outlook. Do what really makes you happy because it contributes to inner peace and longevity

Keep in touch with your family and friends. Being loved and having a sense of belonging works as a shock absorber

 

While youthfulness is not a thing forever, premature aging should not be quietly accepted either.

More Longevity Secrets Revealed!

Go wild and green

Wild as in salmon, green as in grass. Let me explain.

Wild salmon is a very different food from farm-raised. Wild salmon has higher levels of a potent antioxidant known as astaxanthin, which the salmon get from eating their natural diet of krill. Wild salmon has lower levels of inflammatory omega-6 fats– farmed salmon is loaded with omega-6’s due to their “factory farmed” diet of grain. According to studies by the Environmental Working Group, farmed salmon is highly contaminated with PCBs. Get your salmon from pristine Alaskan waters – I have it sent to me frozen from Vital Choice!

Grass-fed meat is the meat counterpart to wild salmon. All the studies showing meat associated with higher rates of cancer are talking about factory-farmed and processed meat, which is loaded with steroids, hormones and antibiotics. Grass-fed meat has omega-3 fats, a cancer-fighting fat called CLA (completely absent in feedlot farmed meat) and is virtually free of steroids, hormones and antibiotics. It’s more expensive, but worth it. I’d rather have one grass-fed burger a week than daily portions of mystery meat from the supermarket.

 

Make berries and beans a part of your regular diet

Berries are one of the original “Paleolithic” foods- in the human diet since forever; high fiber, low sugar and absolutely loaded with antioxidants and valuable phytochemicals. Blueberries in particular are a “memory” food, and all the berries have various plant compounds that show anti-cancer activity in the lab (like ellergic acid from raspberries). Beans are a staple in the diets of people living in the Blue Zones where folks routinely live to 100.

 

Take vitamin D every day!

Right up there with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D is one of the most important supplements to take on a daily basis. Over 75% of Americans don’t get nearly enough of this super nutrient, which has been shown to increase measures of physical performance, improve mood, strengthen bones and help prevent cancer. I recommend a minimum of 2000 IUs daily which you can get from a tiny, inexpensive gel the size of a tic tac, or- my preference- from the new emulsified liquid drops which you can put into any beverage; 1 drop equals 2000 IUs!

 

Develop an ikagi

One of the secrets of long life discovered among inhabitants of the Blue Zones was a highly developed sense of purpose that gives life meaning. In Okinawa, they call this sense of purpose an “ikagi”. Find yours- and connect with it on a daily basis.

 

Do 4 minutes of deep breathing a day

Stress kills- or at the very least it diminishes the quality of life. The most effective stress-reducer in the world is meditation, but if you can’t do that you can still bring down stress hormones considerably by doing some deep breathing every day. Just four minutes of calm, relaxed, focused breathing a day can make a difference. Sit quietly- breath in on a count of 7, hold for a couple of seconds, and exhale out for the same count.

 

Weight train twice weekly

It’ll keep your muscles from atrophying, raise your metabolism, help fight fat and increase your energy. Train smart and you can get a lot accomplished in half an hour twice a week.

 

Take 250 mg a day of trans-resveratrol

Probably no other supplement has gotten the attention in the anti-aging community that resveratrol has. This plant compound- found in red wine and the skin of dark grapes- turns on longevity genes called the SIRT genes, working much like calorie restriction does. Not all resveratrol supplements are created equal- you want to pay attention to how much trans-resveratrol is in the capsule, as that is the specific compound that has been shown in the lab to have positive effects. Taking 200 mg (or more) a day of trans-resveratrol is a smart strategy.