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. Studies show a
possible link between milk consumption and a lowered risk of arterial
hypertension, coronary heart disease, colorectal cancer.
2. Dirt
Throw away the rubber
globes! Dirt is back in vogue! Remember the days where kids(our dads and mums) 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%.
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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 side effects 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.
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. 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. 
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