1.
Ice-cream
Ice-cream is a low GI
(glycemic-index) food. This means that it is a slow sugar release food that
keeps you satisfied for a longer period of time than a high GI food. For that
reason, you are less likely to binge after eating ice-cream. 75 grams of Ben and
Jerry’s Cookies and Cream ice-cream contains only 114 calories compared to a
slice of cheesecake with 511 calories. Furthermore, ice-cream is made of milk
which contains many essential nutrients and vitamins. 1 cup of milk contains up
to 30% of a man’s daily recommended intake. Other nutrients in ice-cream are
biotin, iodine, potassium, selenium, vitamins a, b12, D, and K. Studies show a
possible link between milk consumption and a lowered risk of arterial
hypertension, coronary heart disease, colorectal cancer.
Interesting Fact: In the 5th
century BC, the ancient Greeks sold snow cones made with fruit and honey in the
markets of Athens.
2. Dirt
Throw away the rubber globes!
Dirt is back in vogue! Remember the days where kids played in dirt, food was
served with bare hands, and straws didn’t come in individual wrappers? It turns
out – they were healthier days than our modern sterile ones! Early childhood
exposure to bacteria, viruses, and parasites has been found to give a massive
boost to our immune systems, making us less likely to get sick when we do come
in to contact with various bugs. Research has found that children with a dog in
the home are less likely to suffer allergies, and regular social interaction
can reduce the risk of leukemia by up to 30%. Those are statistics not to
ignore – so throw away the anti-bacterial cleaners and get dirty!
Interesting Fact: There are
as many as 10 times more bacterial cells in the human body than human cells!
The vast majority of these are harmless.
3. Stress
Stress is universally
considered a bad thing – in some cases people have successfully won lawsuits
against companies for work-related stress. But, what most people don’t know is
that a little stress goes a long way to making us healthier. In short doses,
stress can help boost the body’s immune system. In the first stage of stress
(the “alarm” stage – often known as the “fight or flight” response) the body
produces cortisol – a stress fighting hormone which has many benefits to the
body. Stress can give a feeling of fulfillment – when this is the case it is
called “eustress” as opposed to “distress”.
Interesting Fact: The term
“stress” and the mental properties of it was not known before the 1950s. Until
that time it referred simply to hardship or coercion.
4. Caffeine
Not only is coffee tasty, it
is a mild stimulant with many medical uses. Caffeine contains a muscle relaxant
that is very beneficial to people with bronchial problems – it can alleviate
the symptoms of asthma. Additionally, caffeine releases certain fatty acids in
to the blood stream that become a useful source of fuel for muscles. It even
seems that the only serious side-effect to too much caffeine is a small amount
of body-weight loss – a danger if you are anorexic. Caffeine should be avoided
by people with fecal incontinence as it loosens the anal and sphincter muscles.
Interesting Fact: Caffeine
can be toxic to animals, in particular dogs, horses, and parrots. It also has a
much more significant effect on spiders than humans.
5. Red Wine
Red wine contains a group of
chemicals called polyphenols (once called Vitamin P) which have been found to
be very beneficial for health. They reduce the risk of heart disease and
cancer. Wine has also been found to be an effective anti-bacterial agent
against strains of Streptococcus (found most often in the human mouth) which
can help reduce infections. Some wine varieties have extra health benefits;
Cabernet Sauvignon appears to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. In
addition to the benefits already listed, wine is chock full of antioxidants
which play a huge role in the health of the human body. The wines found to have
the greatest benefits are found in the South of France and the Sardinia region
of Italy.
Interesting Fact: Wine
originated in the regions of Israel, Georgia, and Iran, around 6000 BC.
6. Chocolate
As a result of recent
research into chocolate and health, it appears to be something of a panacea
(cure-all) – coupled with the great taste and mood enhancing properties, it
might be seen as a wonder drug! Cocoa or dark chocolate improves the overall
health of the circulatory system, it stimulates the brain, prevents coughs,
prevents diarrhea, and may even be an anti-cancer agent. Like coffee, chocolate
is toxic to many animals. A BBC study indicates that melting chocolate in your
mouth increases brain activity and the heart rate more intensely than
passionate kissing, with the effect lasting four times longer after the
activity ends. Eating regular small quantities of chocolate reduces cholesterol
and the chances of a heart attack. Sign me up for some of that medication!
Interesting Fact: Chocolate
has been used as a drink since at least 1100 – 1400 BC.
7. Cannabis
Cannabis is said to be
beneficial for over 250 conditions. For this reason it is legal on prescription
in a number of Western countries. Cannabis is believed to help with arthritis,
asthma, depression, glaucoma, and pain. It is also reported to be a good
treatment for constipation. Cannabis is also useful in dealing with the
sideeffects of treatments for cancer, AIDS, and hepatitis. Cannabis has been
used medicinally for over 3,000 years! Strangely, the cultivation and use of
cannabis is outlawed in most countries.
Interesting Fact: Evidence of
the use of cannabis as a non-medicinal drug exists as charred seeds found in
Romania dating back to the 3rd millenium BC.
8. Beer
The moderate consumption of
beer has been associated with the lowered risk of head disease, stroke, and
mental decline. In addition, brewers yeast (used in the production of beer)
contains many nutrients that are carried through to the final drink: magnesium,
selenium, potassium, phosphorus, biotin, and B vitamins. For this reason, beer
is sometimes referred to as “liquid bread”. In 2005 a Japanese study found that
low-alcohol beer may contain strong anti-cancer properties. Contrary to popular
belief, a “beer belly” or “beer gut” is not produced by the beer, but rather
overeating and lack of exercise.
Interesting Fact: Beer is one
of the oldest beverages – dating back to the 6th millennium BC.
9. Smoking
10. Porn
Amidst the loud angry cries
against pornography, a few serious scientific studies have been performed on
the subject. It seems that men and women who view pornography, have improved
sex lives, better sexual knowledge, and an overall better quality of life.
Surprisingly, one study found that the more that pornography is viewed, the
greater the improvements. In an extensive study performed in Australia, the
majority of married respondents stated that they believed that pornography has
had a positive effect on their marriage. While clearly not always linked to
pornography, studies have found that men who had fewer orgasms were twice as
likely to die of any cause as those having two or more orgasms a week.
Interesting Fact: Pornography
(and the anti-pornography movement) as it is understood today is a concept of
the Victorian era (19th century) which was extremely moralistic. Sexual imagery
was not taboo before that time.
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