Doom Dooma DoomSayer: THE QUINOA CHALLENGE-THE QUINOA SMELL TEST

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT:

Phytochemistry is the branch of Chemistry dealing with the chemical processes associated with plant life and the chemical compounds produced by plants. In this blog post, I would like to explore the connection between the chemical compounds made by Chenopodium quinoa and the male human reproductive system. I was totally amazed when I discovered that a plant creates the same chemical compounds in the precise concentration and combination to generate the same odor, smell, flavor, scent, or aroma that is produced by a freshly voided sample of human male Semen, the biological fluid that contains seeds called Spermatozoa. In my entire food experience with a wide variety of plant and animal products, I have never encountered a similar observation where I see convergence in chemical processes to generate unique, unmistakable and distinctive odor by two entirely different organisms. Both plants and man may synthesize similar chemical compounds using similar enzymatic pathways, still, it would be very exceptional to generate an odor that man can easily recognize as his own. The mechanisms that operate the phenomenon of Evolution cannot bring about this kind of convergence. In my interpretation, it is evidence of an artistic Unit created by the WholeDesigner, or WholeArchitect, and a Master Planner.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Chenopodium quinoa synthesizes several amino chemical compounds called Polyamines such as Putrescine, Spermine, and Spermidine which are also present in the human, male reproductive secretion called Seminal Plasma or Semen. But to generate a specific, identical odor, or smell, both the seeds and Semen must have a similar concentration, combination, and mixture of volatile, odor generating airborne molecules.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Chenopodium quinoa belongs to the Goosefoot family called Chenopodiaceae, Order Caryophyllales, dicotyledonous plants including Chard, Spinach, and Beets. The leaf may have some resemblance to a Goose Foot. This plant makes polyamines and the seeds have a similar combination, and concentration of these chemicals to produce the same odor or smell that is given off by a freshly voided sample of human, male Semen.

Quinoa(Spanish – Quinua, Quechua, Kinwa) is a member of the Goosefoot family and belongs to the genus called Chenopodium. These are weedy plants with small green flowers and scruffy foliage. These plants are cultivated by the Incas in the Altiplano of Bolivia, and Peru for the last 7,000 years challenging highly different environmental conditions. Quinoa is not a true cereal and is sometimes called pseudocereal as it does not belong to the Grass family like the true cereals such as Wheat and Rice. Quinoa plants produce fruits and seeds used as flour for making bread, pasta, breakfast flakes, and other staples.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Incas have been continuously cultivating Quinoa for the last 7,000 years. They may not be aware of the chemical compounds made by these plants. However, they should be able to very easily recognize the smell, the odor, the scent, the aroma, and the flavor of the plant products that they use. A ‘Smell Test’ can accurately detect presence of some odoriferous chemical molecules and man will be able to describe the odor without being a Chemist, or a Biochemist.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Quinoa seeds are Gluten-Free, Cholesterol-free, low-fat, and high in protein. Throughout the ages, many foods have been considered sexual stimulants. Quinoa has a special reason to be recognized as an Aphrodisiac, a chemical agent that can enhance sexual performance. Such a claim can be based upon the study of Polyamines found in its leaves and seeds. Polyamines are now thought of as the nutritional regulators of human fertility.

Quinoa is one of the staple foods of the people of the Andes region of South America. It is described as a complete food because of its protein quality; the balance between protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Unlike Wheat and Rice, it is a good source of amino acid Lysine. It is a good source of minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, and zinc. The chemical analysis of Chenopodium quinoa seeds reveals the presence of several chemical compounds such as Phenols, Sterols, Terpenes, Saponins, Amides, and Alkaloids. However, I would like to emphasize about the presence of Polyamines, a class of chemical compounds found in all plant, and animal cells. Presence of Saponins in the outer layers of Quinoa seeds imparts a bitter taste to the food preparations and often people refuse to use Quinoa because of its taste, and smell.

WHAT ARE POLYAMINES?

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Biosynthetic pathways of Polyamines. There are three important sources for the human body Polyamine Pool; 1. The biosynthesis within the body, 2. Production by microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, and 3. Dietary contribution.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Diamine, any of a group of chemical compounds containing two NH2 radicals, or double amino groups. Putrescine, 1,4-Diaminobutane is a foul-smelling organic chemical compound often produced by the breakdown of amino acids. Its name describes its connection with putrid substances such as rotten meat or decaying organic matter.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Cadaverine is a foul-smelling diamine compound produced by protein hydrolysis. Compounds such as 1,5-Pentanediamine/Pentamethylenediamine impart a putrid odor to dead and decaying animal matter.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Spermidine is a Triamine or Polyamine and it is the precursor of a polyamine called Spermine. It is associated with the smell and flavor of Semen, the thick, whitish fluid secreted by the human male reproductive organs.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: TETRAMINE-POLYAMINE- SPERMINE – This amino compound was first found in human Semen several centuries ago. It is a basic substance associated with Nucleic Acids such as DNA and RNA, and cell membranes. It is found in nearly all animal, and plant cells. Its presence imparts smell and flavor to human Semen.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Spermine imparts odor to human Semen. To be odorous, a substance must be sufficiently volatile for its molecules to be given off and carried into the nostrils where the Olfactory epithelium recognizes the presence of odoriferous molecules when they fit into functioning groups and specific receptors according to molecular size and shape.

Polyamines are described as small aliphatic amines found in all animal, and plant cells. They are the major components which are not only involved in fundamental cellular processes, for example, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and programmed cell death, but also in adaptive responses to environmental stresses. The human body Polyamine Pool has three major sources; 1. Synthesis within the body, 2. Production by microbes that inhabit the intestinal tract, and 3. dietary uptake of Polyamines. According to a study, the concentration levels of these chemical compounds in human male Semen are 1. Putrescine ranged from 0 to 1.96 mmol/L ( mean value= 0.10mmol/L), 2. Spermidine ranged from 0.017 to 0.96 mmol/L(mean value= 0.16mmol/L), and 3. Spermine ranged from 0.13 to 20.80 mmol/L(mean value= 2.43mmol/L). It must be noted that the odor sensation is influenced by both arrangements of atoms within the molecule as well as the particular chemical groups that comprise the molecule. Olfaction is 10,000 times more sensitive than taste. The levels of these compounds in popular dietary items are shown in the tables below:

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Dietary Sources of Polyamines found in top ten foods. None of them generate the same odor as that of human male Semen.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Top ten sources of dietary Polyamines. None of these foods is associated with the Semen-like odor generated by Quinoa Flakes.

To describe the role of Polyamines in Plant and Human Physiology, I would like to quote from the abstract prepared by Lefevre PL, Palin MF, and Murphy BD in their article titled ‘Polyamines on the reproductive landscape’, and its full text may be viewed at:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21791568

The polyamines are ubiquitous polycationic compounds. Some of these namely spermine, spermidine, and putrescine are essential to male and female reproductive processes and to the embryo/fetal development. Indeed their absence is characterized by infertility and arrest in embryogenesis. Mammals synthesize polyamines de novo from amino acids or import these compounds from the diet. They are essential regulators of cell growth and gene expression and they are implicated in both mitosis and meiosis. In male reproduction, polyamine expression correlates with stages of spermatogenesis and they function to promote sperm motility. Polyamines are involved in ovarian follicle development and ovulation in female mammals. Polyamine synthesis is required for steroidogenesis in the ovary. Polyamines play the role in embryo implantation. Elimination of polyamine synthesis abrogates embryo development at gastrulation. Polyamines play the role in implantation, in decidualization, in placenta formation and function. Polyamine deprivation during gestation results in intrauterine growth retardation. Dietary arginine and dietary polyamines act as nutritional regulators of fertility.

Similarly, I can quote several other research papers that describe the physiology of natural polyamines and their significance in performing a variety of metabolic functions. Please read the articles cited as references.

QUINOA’S PHYTOCHEMISTRY – A NATURAL APHRODISIAC:

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Greek mythology describes Adonis as a youth of remarkable beauty. He is the chosen favorite of Greek goddess Aphrodite. The name ‘Aphrodisiac’ describes any agent that can increase, arouse, and enhance male sexual excitement, sexual performance or stimulate sexual desire. I would like to carefully describe Quinoa as an Aphrodisiac that should be used by both young men, and women who are sexually active and have concerns about fertility. The scent, the odor, the smell, or aroma of Quinoa preparation gives me the clue that it could be a source of dietary polyamines which are nutritional regulators of fertility.

It is important to recognize the significance of Polyamine compounds such as Putrescine, Spermidine, and Spermine in Reproductive Biology. Animals derive essential amino acids and other organic compounds from their diet. Nutrition plays an important role in the reproductive success of an organism. Since scientific literature supports the view that dietary polyamines act as nutritional regulators of fertility, they can be easily incorporated into the human dietary regimen, particularly of those young men and women who are sexually active and plan for reproductive success that ensures the birth of healthy babies. I am recommending the use of Quinoa as it is easy to verify the presence of nutritional polyamines by conducting a simple ‘Smell Test’. It's easy and takes only 90 seconds.

THE QUINOA CHALLENGE: THE TASTE OF PUDDING IS IN THE EATING:

I am asking my readers to take the ‘Quinoa Challenge’, which is a simple ‘Smell Test’ to discover the presence of Polyamines Putrescine, Spermidine, and Spermine in the breakfast cereal of Quinoa Flakes made by Ancient Harvest. In 90 seconds, you will find the dietary polyamines without conducting time-consuming chemical analysis. If your Quinoa porridge has Semen-like smell, it most certainly contains those Polyamines. As the saying goes: “The Taste of Pudding is in the Eating.”

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: The strong, penetrating odor of freshly voided Semen is very distinctive, and is easily recognized by people of all Cultures. The smell, the odor, the scent, the flavor, or the aroma of Semen is attributed to the presence of amino compounds such as Putrescine, Cadaverine, Spermidine, and Spermine. Semen is a fluid of complex composition and it is produced by the secretions from several glands of the male reproductive system such as the Testes, Epididymis, the Ampulla of Ductus Deferens, the Seminal Vesicles, the Prostate, the Bulbourethral and Urethral Glands(Cowper & Littre glands).

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: I USED ANCIENT HARVEST QUINOA HOT CEREAL FLAKES TO CONDUCT QUINOA SMELL TEST.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: The Sensation of Olfaction or Odor Quality is 10,000 times more sensitive than Taste sensation. Olfaction involves detection of airborne chemical molecules. The Quinoa Challenge involves detection of the odor of Quinoa Flakes after heating them with water for just 90 seconds. Without conducting a chemical analysis, I can prove that Human Semen and Quinoa Flakes when cooked have nearly identical Polyamine composition that imparts the unmistakable Semen odor or smell. For my study, I purchased Ancient Harvest Quinoa Flakes sold by Whole Foods Market, Ann Arbor. The box is priced at $5.99 or more.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: The seeds of Chenopodium album – Lambsquarters or Pigweed are chewed or used in Inca traditional medicine in the treatment of urinary problems and for the problem of semen discharge during urination.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Chenopodium vulvaria, Stinking Goosefoot, Notchweed, is a foul-smelling, or rank-smelling plant. The term ‘rank-smelling’ is used to describe strong, offensive smells like the smell of deer in sexual heat. The leaves of this plant are used in traditional Inca medicine for the treatment of hysteria and nervous trouble among women.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: Polyamines are important for the production of Sperm cells in the Testes of males. Polyamines are equally important in the human female reproductive system. Polyamines are involved in Ovarian follicle development, ovulation, production of sex hormones in the Ovary and for female fertility, the ability to give birth to a baby. The picture shows the Structure of Human Ovum or Egg Cell.

QUINOA – DIETARY IMPORTANCE OF SECRET CHEMICAL INGREDIENT: The photo image of human embryo at 6 days. Polyamines play a role in embryo implantation. Polyamines are important for placenta formation and function. Polyamines help in intrauterine growth of embryo and fetus. During pregnancy, maternal nutrition is important and it must include dietary sources of proteins, polyamines, vitamins, and minerals to ensure the birth of a healthy baby.

THE PROBLEM OF MALE POTENCY – THE ROLE OF QUINOA AS AN APHRODISIAC:

The term potent is derived from a Sanskrit word called “PATI” which means Master or husband. It generally refers to the ability to have an erection and hence have the power or energy or strength or capacity to engage in sexual intercourse. Very often, when human males are concerned about the problem of male potency they describe it as a problem of erectile dysfunction. When females are investigated for the problem of infertility, investigation of the male partner sometimes reveals the problems such as very low sperm counts and other abnormalities associated with the Seminal Fluid or Semen analysis. For men, impotence involves the problem of getting sexually excited, stimulation of sexual desire for the successful execution of sexual intercourse.

I would not propose Quinoa as an Erotic Food, or a Love Potion. Man’s universal attribution of libidinous effects to certain foods originated in the ancient belief; the belief in the therapeutic efficacy of “signatures.” If an object resembled genitalia, it is believed in several native cultures, that the object possessed sexual powers. Because of this belief, people describe the legendary aphrodisiac powers of Ginseng root and powdered Rhinoceros horn. Drugs like alcohol, marijuana, mescaline, opium, and others may cause sexual excitation through disinhibition. The fear, anxiety associated with erectile power and sexual performance may indeed have an inhibitory influence and may diminish sexual capacity. Inhibition could be the cause of much sexual malfunctioning. My recommendation of Quinoa as an aphrodisiac is based upon other considerations. Androgens are sex hormones that influence the growth and development of the male reproductive system. Testosterone is produced by the male testes. In the male, the Interstitial Cells of Leydig in the connective tissue surrounding the sperm-producing tubules of the testes are responsible for the production and secretion of androgens which are essential for the growth of the reproductive organs, the formation of sperm cells and for maintenance of sexual interest and libido or sexual drive. Secondly, Polyamines are required to protect the sperm cells during their journey in the female genital tract. Polyamines are alkaline compounds that counteract and buffer the acidic environment of the vaginal canal and protect DNA inside sperm cells. From a study of Phytochemistry, plant physiology, human physiology, biochemistry, medical biology, endocrinology, embryology, and human nutrition, it could be recommended to include some dietary sources of polyamines during the reproductive activity of both men and women to ensure the birth of viable, and healthy babies. For that reason, I am suggesting the use of Quinoa and if there is any doubt, perform the ‘Smell Test’ to verify presence of aromatic amino compounds which play a role in both mitosis, and meiosis cell division apart from their association with Nucleic Acids like DNA, RNA, and their role in activity of Ribosomes and the Cell Membrane. Studies indicate that reducing the concentration of Polyamines in the body pool may slow the cancer process as the rapidly proliferating cancer cells need polyamines. To study viruses, Virologists use Chenopodium quinoa plants as plant virus hosts. Development of Polyamine Database for Assessing Dietary Intake has been recommended and I am hopeful that nutritional guidelines will become available. Quinoa is a functional food and it must be used in support of various physiological functions and its intake and of other polyamines could be also important in the management of cancer. The biosynthesis of chemical molecules by plants is a creative process and the mechanism is creative as it generates diversity while the molecules maintain their unchanging properties and characteristics.

Rudranarasimham Rebbapragada

BHAVANAJAGAT.ORG

References:

1. Polyamines and the integrity of the plant body. Galston AW

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11540939

2.1,4-Diaminobutane(putrescine) spermidine and spermine. Tabor CW, Tabor H.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/786151

3.Physiology of the natural polyamines. Raina A, Janne J

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/169440

4. Polyamines in Plant Physiology. AW Galston, RK Sawhney

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11537482

5. Chenopodium quinoa(Wild): Composition, Chemistry, nutritional and functional properties. Abuqoch James LE