REAL LIFE NEWS: SEE, I TOLD YOU MEDITATION WAS GOOD FOR YOU!
by Hazed
Meditating soothes the mind, calms the thoughts and helps relieve stress and anxiety. That much you probably already know. But now it turns out it can make your genes more healthy!
A new study shows that regular meditation boosts the activity of genes that aid good health, and suppresses those that are harmful.
26 volunteers had their gene profiles analyzed and were then taught a relaxation routine that lasted 10 to 20 minutes. The meditation consisted of reciting words, breathing exercises and attempts to exclude everyday thought.
When they'd carried out the mediation technique every day for eight weeks, their gene profiles were analyzed again, and the results showed that clusters of important genes were boosted, including those that improve the efficiency of the mitochondria which power the cells; those that boost insulin production to control blood sugar; and genes that prevent the depletion of telemeres which stop cells from wearing out and aging.
Genes which were less active after meditating include those that trigger such diseases as high blood pressure, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and some cancers.
The researchers found that the more you meditate, the more profound these gene changes are.
These results are very intriguing!
Source: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23480-meditation-boosts-genes-that-promote-good-health.html
