Keystone Molecules in Nature Punch Over Their Weight in Ecosystems: Report

by Kathy Jones on? May 19, 2013 at 11:25 AM Environmental Health A theory proposed in the June issue of BioScience states that naturally occurring "keystone" molecules that have powerful behavioral effects on diverse organisms often play large roles in structuring ecosystems.
The authors of the theory, Ryan P. Ferrer of Seattle Pacific University and Richard K. Zimmer of the University of California at Los Angeles, liken such molecules to keystone species, animals or plants that may be uncommon but exert a controlling influence, through predation or in other ways. Keystone molecules function in chemical communication and defense, and likewise have dominant consequences in nature.Ferrer and Zimmer give four examples of keystone molecules. DMSP is a simple chemical, synthesized by single-celled marine organisms, that has powerful effects on bacteria, and through its breakdown products, on the foraging of seabirds. Saxitoxin is a potent poison, also produced by marine microbes, that repels some grazing animals but can cause massive die-offs of fishes, seabirds, and marine mammals. Tetrodotoxin is another toxic keystone molecule, but produced in the skin of newts. It prompts newt larvae to hide to avoid being cannibalized and also deters some predators. Garter snakes that feed on newts, however, can accumulate the toxin in their own tissues, which in turn provides them with predator protection. Pyrrolizidine akaloids, which are synthesized by many plants, repel most plant-eaters, but are consumed by some moths, which recycle the alkaloids and convert them into a powerful volatile pheromone that attracts mates.Because of their multifunctional effects and importance in the sea, in fresh water, and on land, keystone molecules deserve special attention from managers seeking to conserve species, Ferrer and Zimmer argue. The loss of a species that produces or captures a keystone molecule in an area could have far-reaching effects, as could the arrival of a non-native species that disrupts flows of the molecules. Future research, Ferrer and Zimmer suggest, is likely to reveal more keystone molecules and unseen webs of natural control.

Source-Eurekalert

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On 14 April, delicious chocolate Coconut Bark (candy weight loss)

by Deb
(Jamestown, Oh USA.)

Ingredients:

1 cup powder 100% cocoa (cocoa powder Special Dark by Richie or equivalent)
1 cup gently melted virgin coconut oil
crystals of sugar or coconut coconut 1 cup
1 tsp. vanilla
* chopped almonds or peanuts (optional)
* 1/2 to 1 cup all natural crunchy almond or peanut spread (optional) butter

Instructions for use:

Mix by hand or electric mixer until smooth. Cover a container with freezer paper, sides and bottom.

Pour the mixture evenly, place another piece of paper freezer for the acknowledge mixture and smooth. Freeze for 20 to 30 minutes.

Remove and cut with the cutting pizza wheel, or simply break into pieces. Place the broken pieces in the refrigerator or freezer in airtight freezer container or zip look to use bag.

All the benefits of coconut oil, sugar coconut and dark chocolate without the guilt!

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Eat low GI / GL foods to lose weight

Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for the body and the brain.? But not all carbohydrates are worth.? Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly, avoiding peaks of sugar in the blood. When you consume complex carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, the pancreas produces insulin to inaugurate the sugar in these foods from your blood into your cells for energy.? Insulin helps your body to use sugar immediately, or store for later.? The next time you eat a healthy meal and well balanced, the insulin will do its job once again, and so on.? In this way, your blood sugar and insulin levels remains in check and you have a constant supply of energy.

Get you into trouble when you regularly consume carbohydrates highly refined, which are broken down more quickly into sugar by the body.? To cope with the rush of sugar, pumps of pancreas extra insulin causing blood insulin levels become high.? Finally the cells become resistant to insulin so that more and more insulin is needed to have the same effect.? Insulin resistance means that cells do not respond to normal levels of insulin.? Insulin resistance increases the risk of diabetes.

The Glycemic Index (GI) is the measure of the degree to which a carbohydrate is likely to increase sugar levels in the blood. The scale is from 0 to 100, with 0 being low and 100 is high.? The disadvantages of IM are the measures are not based on the commonly consumed portions and they do not include other foods eaten at the same meal.? Accordingly, the GI's note often distorts the carbohydrate content in a food.? Furthermore, the glycemic load (GL) measure the affects of blood-sugar-farming of realistic food portions, both separately and combined with meals.

For example, a meal of beans, cooked with steam vegetables and olive oil is rich in complex carbohydrates.? But this meal has a low GL because the fiber in beans and fat from olive oil, which slow down the speed at which carbohydrates are absorbed.? Conversely, a dinner of pasta and white bread is rich in carbohydrates and has a high GL because it will immediately become sugar in the causing body of sugar in blood to spike.

Low GL foods include non-starchy vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, feed, olive oil, tea, herbs and spices. Foods high GL include refined grains and flours, processed foods, junk food, sugar and potato large, starchy.? You can search for GI or GL food values on the Web site of the University of Sydney GI: www.glycemicindex.com.

According to the International Diabetes Center, grease recently, where appropriate, to effect on glucose; protein has only a minimal effect with adequate insulin.? Adequate and healthy consumption of proteins and fats with meal keeps blood sugar levels on an even keel, so you can stave off hunger longer and have fewer cravings.? One of the reasons is that cholecystokinin digestive hormone is produced by the cells of the small intestine when proteins and fats are consumed. Cholecystokinin acts as a natural appetite suppressant, so it can also be useful for losing weight.? Eating beans is a good way to naturally increase your levels of cholecystokinin.? Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber and are beneficial to the digestive health, regulation of blood sugar levels and heart health.? Indeed, the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society recommended beans as an essential nutrient to prevent chronic disease and health optimization.

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