Lifestyle - 9/9 - Third Monk

Jul 31, 2012Jun 17, 2016

Nutrition Tips To Boost a Healthy Sex Drive (Guide)

This list of vitamins and foods will promote better sexual health through proper nutrition. Plan meals accordingly so that you naturally consume enough of these vitamins to reap the benefits they have to offer. Keep in mind that consumption of these vitamins for a better sex life and better health should be a lifelong priority, rather than a short-term nutrition or weight loss goal.

Foods Rich in Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for normal reproduction, and a deficiency of Vitamin A has been shown to cause atrophy of the testicles and ovaries in male and female rats, leading to sterilization. Here are some foods known to be rich in Vitamin A.

Sweet Potatoes

With their bright orange color sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A. Sweet potatoes provide 19218IU (384% DV) of vitamin A per 100 gram serving, or 38436IU (769% DV) in a cup of mashed sweet potato, and 21909IU (438% DV) in a medium sized sweet potato.

Carrots

Carrots are excellent cooked or as a snack. 100 grams of raw carrots provides 16706IU (334% DV) for vitamin A. That is 10191IU (204% DV) for a medium sized carrot, and 2069IU (41% DV) for a single baby carrot.

Lettuce

Dark colorful lettuces provide the most vitamin A with Red and Green Leaf lettuces providing 7492IU (150% DV) per 100 gram serving, 2098IU (42% DV) per cup shredded, and 1274IU (25% DV) per leaf. Iceberg only provides 502IU (10% DV) per 100g, 361IU (7% DV) per cup shredded, and 75IU (2% DV) per leaf.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe and other yellow/orange melons are a great source of vitamin A. Cantaloupe provides 3382IU (68% DV) of vitamin A per 100 gram serving. That is 5986IU (120% DV) per cup of mellon balls, or 2334IU (47% DV) in a medium sized wedge.

Foods Rich in Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 is essential to energy production and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, so a deficiency of vitamin B-1 can lead to decreased energy and reduced sex drive. More symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, decreased alertness, constipation and heart symptoms (like rapid heartbeat). Here are a few specific foods rich in vitamin B-1.

Pork Chops

Pork chops are relatively inexpensive and low in cholesterol compared to most meats, they also contain a high amount of vitamin B1. A 100 gram serving will provide 1.2mg (83% DV) of thiamin (B1), which is 0.85mg (57% DV) per chop.

Pistachios

Pistachios are a great snack and also a good source of potassium and copper. 100 grams of pistachios provides 0.87mg of thiamin (B1) or 58% DV. That is 0.24mg or 16% of the DV per ounce.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts provide 0.7mg (47% DV) of vitamin B1 per 100 gram serving, or 0.2mg (13% DV) per ounce.

Pecans

Pecans provide 0.66mg (44% DV) of vitamin B1 per 100 gram serving, or 0.19mg (12% DV) per ounce.

Foods Rich in Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is also called niacin. A deficiency of vitamin-B3 can lead to skin eruptions, bowel problems and even mental problems. Sex life is impacted by the presence of vitamin B-3 because it increases blood flow to the extremities, including the brain. Problems with the nerve and digestive systems caused by vitamin B-3 deficiency can negatively affect your sex life.

Veal (Lean)
The top round cut of pan fried lean veal provides 12mg (60% DV) of niacin per 100 gram serving, or 36.6mg (183% DV) per pound, and 10.2mg (51% DV)in a typical 3 ounce serving.

Chicken (White Meat)
The white meat of chicken (breast, or tenders) provides 12.4mg (62% DV) of niacin per 100 gram serving, 13.3mg (66% DV) in half a chicken, and 17.4mg (87% DV) per cup.

Sun-dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are a high iron and potassium food. They are great in sauce, on pizza, and even in salads. 100 grams of sun-dried tomatoes provides 9.1mg (45% DV) of niacin, or 4.9mg (24% DV) per cup, and 0.18mg (1% DV) per piece.

Bran (Rice and Wheat)

Crude rice and wheat bran are rich in vitamin B6 as well as vitamin B3 (niacin). Eat whole foods like brown rice, and whole wheat bread. Rice bran contains the most niacin with 34mg (170% DV) per 100g serving, or 40.1mg (201% DV) per cup, 2.5mg (13% DV) per tablespoon. Wheat bran contains 13.6mg (65% DV) per 100 gram serving, or 7.9mg (39% DV) per cup, 0.493mg (2.4% DV) per tablespoon.

Foods Rich in Vitamin C

Vitamin C influences a good sex life with its role in the absorption of iron, the formation of blood cells and the metabolism of the adrenal gland, all processes that affect your sex life. Iron helps oxygenation of the tissues for energy production, while blood carries oxygen, hormones and nutrients to the organs, glands and tissues. The adrenal gland produces lots of hormones that influence your sex life, including a hormone that helps to stimulate orgasm. In addition, vitamin C also strengthens your immune system, protects against stress and helps keep your joints limber and active.

Guavas

Depending on variety, guavas can provide as much as 228mg (381% DV) of vitamin C per 100g serving, 377mg (628% DV) per cup, and 126mg (209% DV) per fruit.

Bell Peppers

A staple of pasta sauce and pizza the sweet bell pepper packs a high vitamin C punch. Yellow peppers provide the most vitamin C with 184mg (206% DV) per 100 gram serving, 341mg (569% DV) per pepper, and 95mg (159% DV) in 10 sliced strips. Green peppers provide the least vitamin C with 132mg (220% DV) per pepper.

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts

Broccoli provides 89mg (149% DV) of vitamin C in a 100g serving, 81mg (135% DV) per cup chopped, 28mg (46% DV) per piece. Raw cauliflower provides much less with 46mg (77% DV) per cup, raw brussles sprouts provide 75mg (125% DV) per cup, 16mg (27% DV) per sprout.

Oranges and Clementines (Tangerines)
Oranges, citrus fruits, and their zest (the shavings of their peel) are all high in vitamin C. Oranges provide 59mg (99% DV) per 100 gram serving, 98mg (163% DV) per cup, and 83mg (138% DV) per orange. Clementines, or tangerines, provide 49mg (81% DV) per 100 gram serving, or 36mg (60% DV) per fruit.

Red and Green Hot Chili Peppers
An excellent way to spice up soups, curries, and sauces, green chillies provide the most vitamin C than any other food with 242.5mg (404% DV) per 100 gram serving, 181.88mg (303% DV) in a half cup chopped, and 109.13mg (182% DV) in a single green chili pepper. Red chillies provide 144mg (240% DV) of vitamin C per 100g serving, 108mg (180% DV) per half cup chopped, and 65mg (108% DV) per pepper.

Foods Rich in Vitamin D

Studies in men found that when Vitamin D is elevated, so is testosterone. The inverse is true as well. When Vitamin D is decreased so is testosterone. And we all know testosterone is important for our sex drives.

Fortified Cereals

Exercise caution and check food labels when purchasing cereals, be sure to pick products that have little or no refined sugars, and no partially hydrogenated oils! Fortified cereals can provide up to 342IU (57% DV) per 100 gram serving (~2 cups), and even more if combined with fortified milk.

Oysters

In addition to vitamin D, Oysters are a great source of vitamin b12, zinc, iron, manganese, selenium, and copper. Oysters are also high in cholesterol and should be eaten in moderation by people at risk of heart disease or stroke. Raw wild caught Eastern Oysters provide 320IU (80% DV) per 100 gram serving, 269IU (67% DV) in six medium oysters.

Caviar (Black and Red)

Caviar is a common ingredient in sushi and more affordable than people think. Caviar provides 232IU (58% DV) of vitamin D per 100 gram serving, or 37.1IU (9% DV) per teaspoon.

Mushrooms

More than just a high vitamin D food, mushrooms also provide Vitamin B5(Pantothenic Acid) and copper. Lightly cooked white button mushrooms provide the most vitamin D with 27.0IU (7% DV) per 100 gram serving, or 7.6IU (2% DV) per ounce.

Foods Rich in Vitamin E

Taking vitamin E supplements or changing your diet to incorporate foods rich in vitamin E can help improve the quality of sperm. Research published in the March-April 2003 issue of “Archives of Andrology” indicates that study participants who took 400 mg of vitamin E in conjunction with 225 mcg of selenium showed improvements in sperm motility. How well your sperm are able to move directly impacts your fertility as sperm need to be able to make their way over distances to fertilize an egg.

Almonds
Almonds are best as a snack in raw whole form, but can also be found as almond butter and almond milk. Almonds provide 26.2mg (175% DV) of vitamin E in a 100g serving, 37.5mg (250% DV) per cup, and 0.3mg (2% DV) of vitamin E in an almond.

Pickled Green Olives

Olives have no end to culinary use, great in pasta sauce, pizzas, salads, or alone with bread, they will provide 3.81mg (25% DV) of vitamin E in a 100g serving, 1.1mg (7% DV) per ounce (about 14 olives).

Cooked Spinach

Cooked spinach is great in stews, lasagnas, or as a side all by itself. It will provide 3.5mg (24% DV) of vitamin E in a 100g serving, 6.7mg (44% DV) per cup.

Jul 28, 2012Jun 17, 2016

Healthy Eating for People Who Hate Cooking (Guide)

One of the barriers for healthy eating is the time it takes to actually prepare a healthy meal. However, it is possible to make healthy meals without actually working too hard for them and we’ll show you how to do it.

The Smoothie for Vegetable and Fruit Intake

The smoothie is something like a garbage-disposal of healthy food. If you can’t or don’t like cooking, it’s the easiest, simplest way to ensure you still get the fruits, vegetables, and vitamins you need in the day without having to come up with complex recipes that require you to cook several foods at once. All you have to do is toss a few fruits and vegetables into a blender with some water or ice, stand around for a few seconds while it blends, and then you end up with a food that’s really a drink and requires a stupidly small amount of effort.

How much do you need to throw in there? Let’s look at the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables and see how we can get that into one or two no-cook meals.

Fruits: For most Americans over the age of 18, 2 cups worth of fruit is recommended a day. That’s about a single large fruit—as in, one apple or one banana.

Vegetables: Vegetables require a bit more than fruit as far as recommended amount. You need at least 3 cups of raw or cooked vegetables.

So that boils down to about two cups of fruits and vegetables a day, which isn’t hard to get out of a blender. Thousands of smoothie recipes are out there and it always boils down to preference, but here’s a few to use to get your recommended daily allowance.

The nutritionally complete meal: Monster Chef shows off this simple recipe with some frozen mixed fruits, cranberries, milk, walnuts, and chocolate that smashes together an entire meal in six easy steps and about five minutes of your time.

The kid friendly approach: If you hate the idea of cooking, you might like the simplified kid-friendly smoothie recipes parenting blog Inhabitots suggests making for kids.

The incredibly easy approach: Even though cutting and tossing a few ingredients into a blender isn’t hard, an easier way exists. Namely, removing the the cutting part. Recipes out there vary from just adding almond milk to some frozen fruit to tossing a frozen banana in with some peanut butter and soy milk.

While that will certainly take care of your fruits and vegetables, a smoothie can’t cover your entire nutritional intake. That’s why we’re going to show you the crock pot, a nearly automated cooking device.

The Crock Pot as Automated Cooking Device

The crock pot aka slow cooker is about as close as you can get to set-it-and-forget-it automatic cooking. Throw some food inside in the morning or afternoon and it automatically cooks so it’s edible later.

The benefit of the crock pot isn’t just in its ability to cook food without you paying any attention to it, it’s also the fact you don’t need a lot of ingredients. The Simple Dollar’s collection of five ingredient crock pot recipes will do most cooking-haters good and provide the protein and vegetables needed in your diet. The benefit? The directions are: dump food in crock pot, turn crock pot on low, walk away for 8 hours and return to a cooked meal.

A Few More Ideas For Minimal Effort Healthy Meals

The above options, of course, are not the only ones. In the chilly winter, the crock pot provides a nice way to get a hot meal without any effort, but come summer it’s not nearly as nice. Here are a few ideas from around the web to keep your diet healthy without the hassle of hours in the kitchen.

The sandwich and salad approach: These two great meal options come without the aid of cooking utensils and both provide your daily nutrients in a number of ways. If you don’t know what to actually make, recipe site Eating Well has a bunch of suggestions for no-cook meals that are dead simple to make and require nothing more than a few minutes and a knife.

Embrace the microwave: Hardcore foodies will likely scoff at this suggestion, but the microwave isn’t as bad a place to cook food as we’ve all been lead to believe. The key is knowing how to read the frozen food labels properly and watching for a few key facts on the nutrition label. WebMD suggests you: keep the calories in the 250-300 range, pick meals with less than 4 grams of saturated fat, less than 800 milligrams of sodium, and with at least 3-5 grams of fiber.

Cook and freeze in bulk: If you happen to fall into the, “I don’t despise cooking but still don’t want to do,” category, then the idea of bulk cooking meals for a month or five days might be appealing. This, of course, requires you to cook, but it boils down to dedicating just one or two days a month to it instead of of every day. You cook all your meals, freeze them up, then simply reheat later on.

Strategize your restaurant and take-out foods: Of course, the ultimate no-cook method of healthy eating is to do absolutely nothing and have the food delivered to you. If you’re not sure where to start, Cooking Light has a big list of healthy foods at a variety of restaurants as well as tips for ordering healthy foods.

> Healthy Eating for People Who Hate Cooking | LifeHacker

Jul 25, 2012Jun 17, 2016

Polyphasic Sleep Cycles Increase Waking Hours

Most people only think that there is one way to sleep: Go to sleep at night for 6-8 hours, wake up in the morning, stay awake for 16-18 hours and then repeat. This common routine is called the monophasic sleep cycle, which is only 1 of 5 major sleep cycles. The other 4 are considered polyphasic sleep cycles due to the multiple number of naps they require each day.

How is this possible? How is this healthy? Well, the most important stage of every sleep cycle is the Stage 4 REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which has been shown to provide the benefits of sleep to the brain above all other stages of sleep. When changing over to a polyphasic cycle, the lack of sleep tricks the body into entering REM sleep immediately instead of 45 to 75 minutes into sleep like in the monophasic cycle. This way, you still get the benefits of 8 hours of sleep without wasting all of the time it takes to get to REM cycles, resulting in a much more efficient sleep cycle.

Polyphasic Cycles

Uberman Cycle:

20 to 30 minute naps every 4 hours, resulting in 6 naps each day. The uberman cycle is highly efficient, and usually results in feeling healthy, feeling refreshed upon waking and extremely vivid dreams. Many uberman-users report increased ability to lucid dream as well. However, the rigid schedule makes it near impossible to miss naps without feeling horribly tired. Blogger Steve Pavlina tried the cycle for 5.5 months and had amazingly positive results. Read his articles and updates on the cycle here.

Everyman Cycle:

One longer “core” nap that is supplemented with several 20-30 minute naps. The most successful variations are either one 3 hour nap and three 20-minute naps or one 1.5 hour nap with 4-5 20 minute naps, all of which have equal amounts of time in between each nap. This cycle is much easier to adjust to than the Uberman and allows for more flexibility in nap times and in skipping naps when necessary. It is also still extremely efficient compared to monophasic with only 3-4 hours of sleep per day.

Dymaxion Cycle:

Bucky Fuller invented the cycle based on his belief that we have two energy tanks, the first is easy to replenish but the second tank (second wind) is much harder. So Bucky began sleeping for 30 minutes every 6 hours. That’s 2 hours a day of sleep! He reported feeling, “the most vigorous and alert condition I have ever enjoyed.” Doctors examined him after several years of using the cycle and pronounced him perfectly healthy. The most extreme of the 4 alternate cycles, but also the most efficient.

Biphasic “Siesta” Cycle:

The biphasic cycle is basically that of every college student in America. The biphasic cycle consists of sleeping for 4-4.5 hours at night, and then taking a 90 minute nap around noon. So not all that different, still more efficient than monophasic, but not by much.

Choosing a Polyphasic Sleep Cycle

The cycle that can work for you completely depends on your lifestyle. If you decide to switch to either the Dymaxion or Uberman cycles, note that you will be a zombie from day 3 to around day 10 until your body fully adjusts to the cycle. Here are some tips gathered from reading other people’s progress

– Eat healthy, avoid fatty foods and the adjustment will be much easier

-Make sure you have a project to work on during all of your new awake hours as it makes the time go by faster

– Also make sure you have two or three weeks of freedom to adjust to the cycle so that you don’t go to work or school completely dead from sleep deprivation

– Hang in there. Each of the cycles will get exponentially easier all of the sudden after the first 2 weeks or so. Just be patient and diligent! Don’t skip naps or change your nap times around or you will basically have to start your adjustment period over.

– Use natural cues for being waking up from naps like sunlight and loud music, while using darkness and silence for sleep (obviously)

If you are seriously considering making the switch over the a polyphasic sleep cycle, a really enjoyable and informative read is Steve Pavlina’s extremely in-depth report of his experience with the Uberman cycle, available here.

Jul 23, 2012Jun 17, 2016

Aurora Borealis Orbital Time Lapse from Space, NASA Fly Over (Video)

This orbital time lapse, compiled by Michael König, combines “photographs taken with a special low-light 4K-camera by the crew of expedition 28 & 29 onboard the International Space Station from August to October, 2011.” König says the video is the result of some post-production tweaking—it’s been “refurbished, smoothed, retimed, denoised, deflickered, cut, etc.”—but there’s no software gimmick that can match up to being slapped in the face with the Aurora Borealis in HD. I wanted to file this under “looks so good it can’t possibly be real,” but this is the real deal—all the goods come straight from NASA.

Shooting locations in order of appearance:

1. Aurora Borealis Pass over the United States at Night
2. Aurora Borealis and eastern United States at Night
3. Aurora Australis from Madagascar to southwest of Australia
4. Aurora Australis south of Australia
5. Northwest coast of United States to Central South America at Night
6. Aurora Australis from the Southern to the Northern Pacific Ocean
7. Halfway around the World
8. Night Pass over Central Africa and the Middle East
9. Evening Pass over the Sahara Desert and the Middle East
10. Pass over Canada and Central United States at Night
11. Pass over Southern California to Hudson Bay
12. Islands in the Philippine Sea at Night
13. Pass over Eastern Asia to Philippine Sea and Guam
14. Views of the Mideast at Night
15. Night Pass over Mediterranean Sea
16. Aurora Borealis and the United States at Night
17. Aurora Australis over Indian Ocean
18. Eastern Europe to Southeastern Asia at Night

Category: Lifestyle