Amazing Properties of Spirulina Unknown to the General Public

Because of my father’s liver cancer I wrote about earlier, I had read well over a hundred research studies on Spirulina (SP). I want to share with you in my blog.

Spirulina, a species of blue-green algae, is earth’s oldest living thing. It existed 3.5 billion years ago with immeasurable strength in life’s vital forces. Spirulina had been the choice of food for the astronauts of NASA and European Space Agency for many years.  Many world organizations including the United Nations have been studying the therapeutic and medicinal properties of Spirulina for over 30 years. In 2008, the UN Food & Agriculture Organization presented a position paper on Spirulina and rated favorably its properties, stating that “clinical trials have shown that Spirulina  can serve as a supplementary cure for many diseases.”

Spirulina contains over 30 types of nutrients, including proteins, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, chlorophyll, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals. Spirulina is the earth’s most nutritious, balanced and suitable whole food for human consumption.

Spirulina can be seen under a microscope

 

Scientific Research and Findings on Spirulina and PC (Phycocyanin)

In the medical field, scientific studies on humans are valued much higher than those on animals or in labs. There has only been a handful of research of Spirulina on humans but the results were quite amazing.

Chemopreventive properties. In the late 80s, developing countries all started to do research on the nutritional value of SP, especially on children and teenagers. These were prompted by the Chernobyl disaster in Russia. In 1994, 49 children aged 3 – 7 years old of the disaster suffered from radiation poisoning were fed 5 gm of SP a day. Their bone marrow was damaged, rendering them immune deficient. They were also anemic and suffered from terrible allergic reactions. Within 6 weeks of taking SP, their radioactivity dropped by 83% with other significant improvements.

Anti-cancer properties. In 1995, the first human study evaluating the chemopreventive potential of SP was conducted in India. The study involved 44 adults, all tobacco chewers, suffered from precancerous lesion called leukoplakia. After feeding them 1 gm daily of SP for 12 months, complete regression of lesions was observed in 45% of subjects.

In 2002, another human study was done to assess the anti-cancer properties of SP. In Japan, 12 healthy male volunteers age between 40 - 65 were recruited and fed with SP. Within 2 months, their NK cells were much higher than before. It was concluded that SP potentiates the immune system leading to the suppression of cancer development and viral infection. This finding was in line with all the studies in the 1990s on mice, that SP facilitated antibody production, increase macrophages and induce spleen cells to grow.

Anti-oxidant properties. Several studies in the 90s showed that SP supported the detoxification of pollutants, increased the level of immunoglobulin and strengthened the immune system.

Improve lipid profile (cholesterol, fatty liver, LDL and triglycerides)and prevent heart diseases. A study conducted in Japan concluded that SP lowered cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). 30 male volunteers with high cholesterol, mild hypertension and hyperlipidemia were given 4 g of SP daily for 2 months. Total cholesterol dropped within a month. A similar study earlier concluded that a diet enriched with SP could alleviate disease since the atherosclerosis index improved.

Another study conducted in India concluded SP played a key role in weight reduction, lowering blood cholesterol levels and improving lipid profile (reduce LDL and raise HDL). 30 volunteers were fed with 2 – 4 g of SP for 4 weeks.

Lower glucose level. In 2001, there was a study on 20 males and 20 females between 40 – 60 years old in India. It was found that SP significantly reduce ed blood glucose levels.

Prevent skeletal muscle damage. A study in 2006 showed that SP could prevent skeletal muscle damage by reducing pre-oxidative stress level. It could also combat fatigue and postpone time of exhaustion by reducing the serum level of CK and LDH.

Nutritional supplement. Further research proved that SP provided many high quality nutrients, easily absorbed by human beings. It includes 60 – 70% of vegetable protein with a full spectrum of 18 amino acids. SP is very rich in omega 3 and has one of the highest gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which is not easily taken in our regular diets. It has complete vitamin B complex, including B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12. It is also rich in minerals, particularly iron (90% absorbable), zinc, manganese and calcium. Other biologically active substances include polysaccharides, lipids (both glycolipids and sulfolipids), enzymes and probiotics.

Its dark color comes from natural pigments that harvest sunlight at different wavelengths and at the same time protects from too much sun. These pigments offer unusual health benefits and help synthesize many enzymes necessary for regulating body metabolism. They are chlorophyll (green), carotenoids (yellow and orange) and phycocyanin (blue). SP is the richest beta carotene food, with a full spectrum of ten mixed carotenoids which work synergistically to enhance antioxidant protection. It has one of nature’s highest level of chlorophyll (1%), known for cleansing and detoxifying. Phycocyanin is unique to SP; it builds both red and white blood cells, boosts immune system and protects liver and kidney from toxic chemicals and oxidation.

Studies on Animals and in Labs

Test tube and animal studies suggested that Spirulina has much potent properties. Herewith a summarized list:

•  Activates many of the natural killer cells (NK cells) that can help fight cancer cells, including macrophages, T-cells, and B-cells

•   These interferon cells can also help fight other viral illnesses, including, flu, herpes, mumps, measles and HIV

•   Enhance the body’s ability to generate new blood cells, including bone marrow stem cells, spleen and thymus glands

•   Act as an phyto-antioxidant with radical scavenging properties to DNA cells and organs

•   Reduce pre-oxidative level in skeletal muscle damage and fatigue

•   Suppresses tumor formations

•   Has anti-inflammatory compound that can control arthritics and ulcerative colitis

•   Improve liver lipid profile including lowering cholesterol and LCL

•   Prevent fatty liver by lowering triglycerides

•   Protect the liver and kidney from toxic chemicals and oxidative stress

•   Promote digestion and bowel function

•   Suppress bad bacteria and stimulate the growth of probiotics

•   Unique polysaccharides enhance cell nucleus enzyme activity and potentiate DNA repair process

•   Regulate blood sugar level

•   Improve heart artery function and lower blood pressure

•   Counter allergic reactions including hay fever, hives, and sinus allergy

•   Contain vital nutrition for normal bodily functions

In 2009, the first study of the in vivo chemopreventive effect of SP was conducted. The study investigated the effect against rat liver toxicity and carcinogenesis induced by DBN precursors. The incidence of liver tumors was significantly reduced from 80 to 20% by SP, suggesting that SP is a protective phyto-antioxidant against liver toxicity and an anti-tumor agent. It has potential use for chemo-therapy of liver carcinoma.

Nevertheless, the above study results do not necessarily translate into human benefits though some of the findings coincided with that of the human studies. More clinical trials are needed to understand the efficacy of SP.

If you like to have the scientific references of the above studies, feel free to email me.

Engage in Conscious Living While Consuming Food

I attended a friend’s wedding banquet last week. It was a moving experience with the couple sharing the story of their journey and guests sending their well wishes. Then a sumptuous feast followed with dishes of highly prized delicacy, some of which were near-extinct species. Worst, there were a lot of leftovers at the end of the banquet and waitpersons just threw them into the garbage bin.

I am personally against eating any near extinct species, including shark fins, turtles, blue fin tuna, Chinook salmon, and whales. It is not only about protecting the Earth but the practice of commercial fishing on these species is really cruel and inhumane. Think about the way sharks are caught, their fins slice off and their bodies get thrown back into the sea. These poor sharks are basically left to die in pain!

So what’s the whole point of hosting such a lavish feast? What purpose does it really serve? People may think that such an act shows their respect to their guests. To me, it only shows people’s mindless consumption, even ignorance. I am sure that guests who attended the banquet would have been equally happy for the couple if they were served without the near-extinct species.

Hunters are used to cut sharks' fins while they are still alive and then release them back into the sea to die in a slow and painful death

Hong Kong is a society full of material abundance but people don’t seem to treasure what they have. This is evident in the amount of food waste we created every day – an astounding 3,200 tons! Yet, there are many people still living in substandard conditions.

Recently, I discovered an environmentally friendly organization called Green Hong Kong. This is a Tai Po-based NGO with 6 staff; they visit the neighboring Fu Shin wet market and collect discarded fresh, edible produce from vendors. With these produce, the staff cook meals for the next door training center of the Confederation of Trade Unions. Students from the training center can pay just $20 to enjoy a six-course vegetarian lunch with soup. Thanks to the work of Green Hong Kong, tons of produce escape being transported to landfills.

Tips to a Conscious Living:

·       Buy from locals
·       Consume organic food
·       Cook meals at home to avoid waste
·       Minimize takeout food
·       Steam food; avoid deep frying
·       Eat less red meat and more vegetables
·       Don’t consume endangered species and plants

 http://foodrecyclinghk.wordpress.com/

Toxins Found in Chinese Medicines

It was reported in the news that 15 Chinese medicines were found to have potential toxins, allergens and traces of endangered animals seized by Australian border officials.

DNA sequencing tests were used by scientists at Australia’s Murdoch University. This is the latest technology available to accurately analyze the ingredients in Chinese medicines. After testing, the scientists determined that none of the samples carried accurate ingredient labels.

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been widely used, especially among the Chinese communities. Recently, it is growing in popularity in other countries as well. However, there has been little scientific analysis done on its purity, efficacy and pharmacologic activities. End users normally bought them relying on the product labels and recommendations from people who had taken them. This can be very dangerous as the medicines can work well on a person and cause allergic reactions to another. Also, there is the issue of dosage and long term use which can be toxic; these are not normally addressed in the product labels.

This incident goes to prove this case in point. First, the honesty and accuracy of product labeling are in questions. The packaging did not list the concentrations of the elements inside; then traces from trade-restricted animals that are classified as vulnerable, or endangered were found.  Second, the purity and safety of the products are not tested and documented. Third, the quantity to take and possible allergic reactions are not addressed.

Buyers Beware

One should be more aware of products that contain natural ingredients. When we make purchases, we assume that the product ingredients are what the manufacturers claimed.  Indeed, there are many other things we assume – the manufacturing standards, the purity, efficacy and safety of use.

Presently, there are little legal requirements from the governments to control the manufacturers. More stringent rules are needed to require manufacturers to disclose ingredients, evaluate their legality, safety, purity and efficacy.

In the meantime, you can educate yourself to become more informed consumers. Herewith a checklist that ikindof.com uses to locate our merchants.

Tips When Making Purchases on Natural Products

1.   Check out the Founder. What is the founder’s background? Is he in the field, or even a pioneer, or advocate?

2.   Study the Company. How long has it been in business? Is it reputable? What is its business philosophy and mission? Does it conduct any research?

3.   Understand the Production Plant and Procedures. Where is it located? Does it have its own farmland? What are the procedures in manufacturing products? Does it have transparency in production?

4.   Read its PR Coverage. Has it been widely publicized? Was it endorsed by the media, professionals and organizations? Does it engage in community services? Is it active in social media with feedback and reviews?

5.   Know its Distribution Channels. Where is it sold? Is it international or local? What kind of retailers carries it?

6.   Obtain Certifications. Does it meet some kind of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)? Does it have any other certifications and/or marks from the government and health organizations?

 Helpful Link:
http://www.scmp.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=5e0086e20dba6310VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&s=News&ss=Hong+Kong#.T4kzKzUTSco.gmail

Is December 21, 2012 End of the World?

To talk about the end of the world, I need to start from the beginning! I am starting with the number 11, also known as the Psychics Number.

I was born on April 11. I didn’t pay much heed to the number 11 until a psychic told me that it was a Master Number in numerology, with a higher spiritual vibration. In numerology, each number has an intrinsic value that carries a cosmic vibration. And our birth date reflects our personality, talents and life purpose.

Number 11 possesses the following attributes:

Visionary, spirituality, sensitivity, intuition, inspirational, idealistic, volunteerism, heavenly messages, optimism, charisma, refined, integrity, insights, motivational, uplifting.

It has been said that people who recognize the spiritual meaning of number 11in their lives are psychically connected to vibrational frequencies matching the attributes listed above. Elevens appearing on a consistent basis is indicative of a reflective and intuitive soul.

I don’t know about you but I seem to notice the number 11 everywhere, on the date, time, street number, building number, room number – you name it; even my husband was born on the 11^th!   Within 2 years of our moving back to Hong Kong, we operated in 2 locations – a Center and an office. The street number for my 7^th Ray Center is 29 which is 11 (9+2) in numerology and it is on the 4^th floor; these numbers correspond to my birthday! And the office of my online shopping business www.ikindof.com is located on the 11^th floor, unit 4, another one! Mere co-incidence or divine message?

People with this number could be attracted to the unknown and esoteric and are gifted as “light worker”.  The number 11 brings the gift of spiritual inheritance; others turn to people who are 11 for teaching and inspiration, and are usually uplifted by the experience.

It is amazing to find my ‘calling’ as an energy healer in life only 5 years ago. Yet, my higher self has already decided and agreed to this spiritual path even before I was born, and the message was embedded in my birth date!

The Significance of the time11:11

Last year when we started www.ikindof.com, we have to pick a launch date.  Intuitively I thought to myself 11-11-11 at 11:11. Everyone in the office thought it was impossible due to the tight schedule but I suggested giving it a go. There were so many hurdles that we literally had to give up at the eleventh hour, but miraculously we launched successfully!

After this incident, I read that 11:11 is said to have a pre-encoded trigger placed in our cellular memory banks prior to our descent into matter which, when activated, signifies that our time of completion and ascension is near. It is believed that one knows when this particular gateway opens for them by continually seeing the   numbers 11:11 in there every day lives as a continuous occurrence. 

So how is number 11 related to 12-21-12? To be continued…..

Is December 21, 2012 End of the World? - Part 2

The spiritual meaning of number 11 deals directly with our involvement with the progression of life. When it appears, it signals us to be more aware of the issues and events at hand. We need to approach them with a higher vibrational energy, shifting from ego-based fear to loving force that is in connection with your higher self and the divine consciousness. In this way, we become more objective and embracing in our approach and make the best possible decisions for all.

The 11 also carries a vibrational frequency of balance. It represents the ultimate truth in all things in nature -- yin and yang, sun and moon. Visualize two pillars or columns holding up perfectly balanced. It invites us to enter this open space of conscious awareness.

Three recent world events came to my mind – 4/11 in N Korea, 9/11 in New York and 3/11 in Japan. The North Korea government is celebrating its 100^th anniversary in establishing its communist party on April 11. The twin towers in Manhattan were hit by suicide bombers on September 11 killing thousands. And the North Eastern part of Japan was hit by earthquake and tsunami, killing thousands as well. As much as these events had caused tremendous loss and sufferings, they initiated our spiritual contemplation. They are metaphorical gateway for our entrance, consciously or subconsciously. We are faced with the duality or opposition inherent in human nature and we have to make choices. Do we stay away or do we gather our loving energy? Do we blame or do we take charge? Do we hate or love? Our very decisions determine the purity of outcome. And these energetic decisions will become part of the universal energy imprint, to be magnified and stayed with us forever. This is what karma ultimately means, i.e. what goes around comes around.

How is 11 related to 12-21-2012?

There had been a lot of buzzing discussion on December 21 this year being the end of the world. This came mainly from the Mayan civilization whose calendar was set to end on this date. The Mayan is the most advanced in relation to time-science knowledge; their main calendar is the most accurate on the planet. It has never erred. As much as this date indicates the end of a cycle, there is no evidence from any Mayan literature suggesting that the world will come to an end.

What is so significant about December 21, 2012 then? The significance lies not merely in the fact that a Mayan epoch is coming to an end, but in the celestial events that astronomers have confirmed will occur on this day.

December 21 is the winter solstice, and in 2012 the Sun on the solstice will be almost perfectly aligned with the plane of the galaxy (the Milky Way galaxy). The equator of the Milky Way galaxy (Galactic Equator) and the path of the Sun (the Ecliptic) will cross each other at exactly 11:11 am GMT on December 21, 2012!!! What is astonishing is how precisely the Mayan calendar was able to pinpoint this alignment of the planets. This precession of the equinoxes goes in a complete circle and happens only once every 26,000 years. In other words, the winter solstice moves 360 degrees every 26,000 years. According to the Mayans, we are entering a new age on this date.

I got curious and looked into the numerology of this date. I added 12+21+2011=2045, then I added 2+4+5, sure enough it was 11! Added to this date is the exact time of 11:11 as well. Guess our energetic ancestors had always known and created this date as part of our lessons.

What does this new age mean to us?

I believe that there is a shift towards a spiritualist way of life. The previous era vibrated at a relatively low frequency, being ruled by the fear based ego. As much as material progress was made, people suffered mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Our energetic ancestors are inviting us to be part of this new era of understanding; enter this subtle space and dwell inside where we find ourselves. We will be more introspective and reflective.  If we all shift this energetic pattern, we will create a better world for all. The world will not end on December 21 because that wasn’t the lesson intended by our energetic ancestors. Instead, the lesson is for us to make the right choice for the highest good. We are co-creating the future, so we should place our energy on a higher plane – have a higher mind, live a higher purpose, enjoy and live in the moment, spending quality time with our loved ones, help and love others even if they don’t repay you, and develop virtues. 

Let’s meet on December 21!

We Are All Psychic

Upon my patient’s request and arrangement, I had organized a Healing & Meditation Workshop for the first time. As always, I prepared teaching note and arrived early at my Center. Then, some guests came to visit and we chatted until the workshop attendees arrived. I jumped in eagerly, only to realize that my teaching note was nowhere in sight! To save myself from embarrassment, I proceed with doing a healing in a nonchalant manner. The next hour turned out to be a very powerful healing and psychic experience for all.

While healing, I placed my hands on the attendees’ shoulders. Because I could only spend 10-15 minutes on each attendee, I used this gesture just to give them a general sense of well-being. To my surprise, I had very strong sensations of the attendees and ended up doing intuitive readings. (Mind you, except for my patient, this was the very first time I met the attendees.) With my hands still on each attendee’s shoulders, I was dispensing information, including the attendees’ personality, disposition, health condition, interest, even their favorite fruit!

The last attendee, Karen (a pseudonym), turned out to be the most revealing. The moment I placed my hands on her shoulders, I sensed that she was in physical pain from the shoulders down to the lower back. Then I saw, in my inner mind, a sparkling stone and something glamorous going on. I also saw that Karen was having a hard time trying to accommodate a lot of people who were unrelated and yet gathered for a reason. They all had their own ideas and wishes about this event and Karen was trying to reconcile their differing demands. As a result, she suffered emotionally and physically. Out of curiosity, I asked if Karen was an event planner and she told me that she was planning for her own wedding and what I described had been her experiences. Our following conversations turned to problem solving ideas.

Frankly, I was taken aback by this healing session mainly because it was unprepared. In the past I had performed many intuitive readings, but only when doing a full healing session in which I was more ‘focused’. It goes to show that when we are ‘in tune’ we can access psychic information at will and without the help of psychic tools.

Nevertheless, you may think that this is extraordinary psychic power which can only be accomplished by psychic like myself or trained professionals; I can assure you that you are born with this ability as well. This ability allows us to access our higher self, the part that is eternal and separate from our physical body. Our higher self communicates with us constantly but we tend to forget as our mind is preoccupied with mundane things. It is important that we re-connect with our higher self as its job is to guide us to find our higher purpose and lesson in life.

PS The above beautiful photos were taken by Ko, special thanks to him!

A Spiritually Authentic Meaning of Reborn

My dad died of liver cancer 2 years ago on Easter Sunday. By the time we learnt of his conditions, the cancer was in the terminal stage and nothing more could be done from a medical standpoint. As a result, my family and I shifted our focus to a holistic approach, trying to provide our dad quality time. One of the many things I did was to research on nutritional supplements that could alleviate his conditions. I found out that a green-algae called Spirulina was very beneficial to people with liver problems. I bought various brands of Spirulina and examined them. I also tried them as I am a rather sensitive person and my body can react to ingested food and medications quickly. In this case, I wanted to make sure that the Spirulina could be digested easily and that there wouldn’t be discomfort after taking them. One product stood out as a result; my dad had also reacted positively.

I had studied and read over a hundred research on Spirulina and was convinced of the powerful healing properties of this tiny plant. My family and I continued to take the Spirulina after my dad’s passing. I was so impressed by this product that I approached the company in Japan and offered to be its partner to promote Spirulina.

My dad has given me his everything, even when he was crossing over. In taking care of him, he taught me how to take better care of others. It was no accident that he died on Easter Sunday and his funeral service was one day following my birthday. It was indeed a blessed event for me and I was given a new life. After his passing, I invested all my energy on starting a health and healing center; four months later 7^th Ray Center was born.

This Spirulina product is one of the things borne out of this experience; I feel that it is supported by divine energy. If you are interested in getting more information about Spirulina, feel free to email me.

I  highly recommend the Phycocyanin Spirulina 100%

Love is all aournd us!

Since I moved back to Hong Kong 2 years ago, I have to adjust to a faster pace of life. That said, I still find time for myself, one of which is to jog in a nearby playground. I was so happy to see the sun came out after weeks of hiding; my body can finally get some vitamin D.

When jogging, I noticed a big, dark red dried leaf in the shape of a heart on the ground (extreme left in the photo). I couldn’t help but pick it up, and then I noticed more heart shaped leaves in different sizes and shades. How amazing when one starts to notice things around us!

The heart shaped leaves picked up at Victoria Park.

Speaking of which do you notice when two persons hold their hands, a love symbol is formed? Holging hands is not just for lovers; you can hold hands with your family, friends, even your pets! Try it and expeience the energy of love.

The love symbol formed by holding hands



                                           Holding hands with my lovely Lex!