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7 Ways Hemp Seeds Can Improve Your Health

7 Ways Hemp Seeds Can Improve Your Health | Third Monk image 1

hemp-seed-plant

Hemp seed is considered a ‘superfood’ for many reasons and scientists are continuing to discover new benefits of the seed and its derivatives.

The American Chemical Society published a January 2014 paper that revealed “just how many healthful compounds hemp seed oil contains.”

But while research may still be evolving, it turns out that hemp seed has had a long history as a health food. Here are the most notable health benefits that hemp seeds may offer:

1. Rich in Fiber, Vitamins and Minerals

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Hemp seed has high levels of fiber and vitamins A, C, and E.

The hemp seeds contain tocopherol, which is known to have benefits in Alzheimer’s and atherosclerosis, and phytol, which has both anticancer and antioxidant properties.

It is also rich in minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, and has modest levels of iron and zinc.

2. Fights Bad Cholesterol

Studies suggest hemp seed and hemp seed oil can help break down cholesterol as well as prevent problems caused by high cholesterol, including blood clotting.

3. Improves Skin Condition

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Dietary hemp seed oil has shown to improve clinical symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

A 2005 study concluded that its cholesterol and skin benefits were both due to “the balanced and abundant supply of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) in this hemp seed oil.”

4. Contains Perfect Balance of Fatty Acids

Hemp seed oil contains a 3:1 ratio of the two essential fats: omega-6 and omega-3.

This is the ideal ratio recommended by WHO and Health Canada for cardiovascular health. No other nut or vegetable oil contains this ratio.

5. Prevents Heart Disease

Hemp seed’s fat profile is believed to help prevent a variety of heart conditions.

A 2007 study concluded hemp seed can prevent blood clotting, which “may be of benefit in the protection against clot-induced strokes and myocardial infarctions.” 

Another study concluded that hemp seed may offer significant protection against stroke.

Finally, the American Chemical Society analysis concluded that the high levels of α-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fat) in hemp seed “may have favorable nutritional implications and beneficial physiological effects on the prevention of coronary heart disease and cancer.”

6. Beneficial in Degenerative Diseases

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The same analysis concluded that the level of γ-linolenic acid (an omega-6 fat) in hemp seed “provides it with a high pharmaceutical value for degenerative chronic diseases.”

According to the authors, these may include atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or certain types of cancer.

7. Reduces Inflammation

Hemp seed contains a variety of plant sterols and alcohols that are known to reduce inflammation, which is a factor in a wide range of diseases.

> 9 Surprising Health Benefits Of Hemp Seeds | Leaf Science

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12 Healthy Snacks for Stoners (Guide)

12 Healthy Snacks for Stoners (Guide) | Third Monk image 13

Hungry but don’t have the time for a full meal? Healthy snacking is the key to speedy metabolism, energy and endurance. Here is a list of healthy snacks that stoners will enjoy:

1. Beef Jerky

Extremely high in protein and low in fat, beef jerky is probably the ultimate stoner snack. Bring your bag of beef jerky to your next smoking session and watch how fast that bag gets passed around. Get them in bulk at a place like Costco because the small bags you get at the gas station can be way overpriced.

2. Fruit Smoothies

Fruit smoothies are the healthiest way to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re delicious and the nutritional benefits (protein, fiber) of the fruits outweigh all of the sugar used.

3. Breakfast Cereal

Cereal is good for any time of the day but it’s perfect for a midnight snack because it won’t bloat your stomach before you go to sleep. Choose one with lots of fiber and add your favorite fruits and nuts to it for extra benefits. Remember to drink water after because water and fiber are homies.

4. Carrots and Hummus

Combining baby carrots with a dip like hummus is good idea because it’s high in nutrients and will satisfy your hunger. If you love hummus but hate vegetables, use toasted flat bread instead. You won’t get the benefit of a carrot but can still enjoy the protein from the hummus.

5. Tapioca Pudding

If you’re craving something creamy and sweet, go for Tapioca Pudding. It doesn’t really have any health benefits but it keeps the unhealthy ingredients to a minimum.

6. Waffles with Nutella Chocolate

This is the low budget version of stoner dessert favorite, Crepes with Nutella chocolate and sliced bananas. The wheat waffle is healthier than a crepe, providing you with protein and fiber. The chocolate doubles as an antioxidant and aphrodisiac, keeping you healthy and horny.

7. Cashews

Who doesn’t love cashews? You can throw them in almost anything but eating them alone is enough to give you a healthy boost. Eating two handfuls will raise your body’s levels of iron and magnesium.

8. Instant Oatmeal

Oatmeal has a ton of fiber to give you healthy dumps. Top it with berries or banana slices along with some nuts for a mega powerful healthy snack.

9. Protein Bar

When you have to skip a meal, consider a protein bar because there are enough vitamins and nutrients in a protein bar to be a substitute for a meal. We don’t recommend making your daily lunch consist of two protein bars but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

10. Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Get a bag of multi colored tortilla chips, they’re more flavorful than the regular kind. Eating the chips with your favorite salsa provides you with protein and fiber. If you find yourself eating too many, regulate your body with fiber filled fruit like an apple.

11. Frozen Banana Slices

Dice up an overripe banana into slices and freeze them overnight. You can eat them plain as a tasty healthy snack but if you’re really stoned, top them with Nutella chocolate spread or chocolate syrup.

12. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Upgrade your PJ sandwich by using natural peanut butter which has more protein and none of the extra preservatives that regular peanut butter has. Instead of using jelly from a jar, smash some blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries in between the bread.
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Eat Your Colors Every Day to Balance Your Diet (Guide)

Eat Your Colors Every Day to Balance Your Diet (Guide) | Third Monk image 1

Eating your fruits and veggies is definitely important. What is also important is the color of the fruits and veggies you eat. Each color comes with a variety of different nutrients and benefits. Eat a mix of colors every day and enjoy a balanced diet that will maintain your health.

Red Fruits and Vegetables

Contain the nutrients lycopene, ellagic acid, quercetin, and hesperidin, to name a few. These nutrients reduce the risk of prostate cancer and tumor growth. They lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. They also scavenge for harmful free-radicals and support join tissue in arthritis cases.

Beets
Blood oranges
Cherries
Cranberries
Guava
Papaya
Pink grapefruit
Pink/Red grapefruit
Pomegranates
Radicchio
Radishes
Raspberries
Red apples
Red bell peppers
Red chili peppers
Red grapes
Red onions
Red pears
Red peppers
Red potatoes
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Watermelon

Green Fruits and Vegetables

Green vegetables contain chlorophyll, fiber, lutein, zeaxanthin, calcium, folate, vitamin C, calcium, and Beta-carotene. The nutrients found in these vegetables reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. They normalize digestion time, support retinal health and vision. They also fight harmful free-radicals and boost immune system activity.

Artichokes
Arugula
Asparagus
Avocados
Broccoflower
Broccoli
Broccoli rabe
Brussel sprouts
Celery
Chayote  squash
Chinese cabbage
Cucumbers
Endive
Green apples
Green beans
Green cabbage
Green grapes
Green onion
Green pears
Green peppers
Honeydew
Kiwifruit
Leafy greens
Leeks
Lettuce
Limes
Okra
Peas
Sno Peas
Spinach
Sugar snap peas
Watercress
Zucchini

Blue and Purple Fruits and Vegetables

Contain nutrients which include lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, vitamin C, fiber, flavonoids, ellagic acid, and quercetin. These nutrients support retinal health, lower LDL cholesterol, boost immune system activity, support healthy digestion, improve calcium and other mineral absorption, fight inflammation, reduce tumor growth, act as an anti-carcinogens in the digestive tract, and limit the activity of cancer cells.

Black currants
Black salsify
Blackberries
Blueberries
Dried plums
Eggplant
Elderberries
Grapes
Plums
Pomegranates
Prunes
Purple Belgian endive
Purple Potatoes
Purple asparagus
Purple cabbage
Purple carrots
Purple figs
Purple grapes
Purple peppers
Raisins

White Fruits and Vegetables

Contain nutrients such as beta-glucans, EGCG, SDG, and lignans that provide powerful immune boosting activity. These nutrients activate natural killer B and T cells, reduce the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancers, and balance hormone levels, which reduces the risk of hormone-related cancers.

Bananas
Brown pears
Cauliflower
Dates
Garlic
Ginger
Jerusalem artickoke
Jicama
Kohlrabi
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Potatoes
Shallots
Turnips
White Corn
White nectarines
White peaches

Orange and Yellow Fruits and Vegetables

Contain beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, flavonoids, lycopene, potassium, and vitamin C. These nutrients reduce age-related macula degeneration and the risk of prostate cancer. They lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Promotes collagen formation and healthy joints. They fight harmful free radicals and work with magnesium and calcium to build healthy bones.

Apricots
Butternut squash
Cantaloupe
Cape Gooseberries
Carrots
Golden kiwifruit
Grapefruit
Lemon
Mangoes
Nectarines
Oranges
Papayas
Peaches
Persimmons
Pineapples
Pumpkin
Rutabagas
Sweet corn
Sweet potatoes
Tangerines
Yellow apples
Yellow beets
Yellow figs
Yellow pears
Yellow peppers
Yellow potatoes
Yellow summer squash
Yellow tomatoes
Yellow watermelon
Yellow winter squash

 

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The Truth About Sunscreen and Sunlight Exposure

The Truth About Sunscreen and Sunlight Exposure | Third Monk

Ask somebody about sunscreen and you’re likely to receive an earful of disinformation from a person who has been repeatedly misinformed by health authorities and the mainstream media. Here’s a quick guide to the 5 most important things you need to know about sunscreen, sunlight and vitamin D:

 

#1) The FDA refuses to allow natural sunscreen ingredients to be used in sunblock, sunscreen products

If you create a truly natural sunscreen product using exotic botanicals with powerful sunscreen properties, you will never be able to market it as a “sunscreen” product. That’s because the FDA decides what can be used as sunscreen and what can’t, regardless of what really works in the real world.

This whole monopoly over sunscreen chemicals is designed to protect the profits of the chemical companies while marginalizing the natural product companies which could easily formulate far better solutions.

 

#2) Nearly all conventional sunscreen products contain cancer-causing chemicals

Read the ingredients of any sunscreen product sold at any mainstream store and you will not be able to pronounce most of the chemicals found in the ingredients list. That’s because most sunscreen products are formulated with cancer-causing fragrance chemicals, parabens, harsh alcohols, toxic chemical solvents and petroleum oils. A typical sunscreen product is actually a chemical assault on your body. That’s why research shows that using sunscreen actually causes more cancer than it prevents

 

#3) You can boost your internal sun resistance by changing what you eat

You can boost your internal sunscreen by eating antioxidant-rich foods and superfoods. The supplement astaxanthin, for example, is very well known for boosting your skin’s natural resistance to sunburn. Its fat-soluble carotenoids are actually transported to skin cells where they protect those cells from UV exposure.

Nearly everyone mistakenly believes that a person’s sunlight burn response is purely a genetic factor. They’re wrong. You can radically improve your resistance to UV exposure through dietary changes.

 

#4) UV exposure alone does not cause skin cancer

It is a complete medical myth that “UV exposure causes skin cancer.” This false idea is a total fabrication by the medical community (dermatologists) and the profit-driven sunscreen companies.

Skin cancer can only be caused when UV exposure is combined with chronic nutritional deficiencies that create skin vulnerabilities.

To create skin cancer, in other words, you have to eat a junk food diet, avoid protective antioxidants, and then also experience excessive UV exposure. All three of those elements are required. Conventional medicine completely ignores the dietary influences and focuses entirely on just one factor: Sunscreen vs. no sunscreen.

 

#5) Not all “natural” sunscreen products are really natural

Be careful when shopping for so-called “natural” sunscreen products. While there are some good ones out there, many are just examples of greenwashing, where they use terms like “natural” or “organic” but still contain loads of synthetic chemicals anyway.

A good guide for checking on sunscreen products is the Environmental Working Group guide

Some of the products that are truly natural include Loving Naturals sunscreen and Badger All Natural Sunscreen. Don’t use any sunscreen product containing ingredients that sound like chemicals: Methyl,  Propyl, Ethyl, etc.

Always buy unscented sunscreen, a typical sunscreen product is made with over a dozen cancer-causing fragrance chemicals, and they’re absorbed right through your skin.

> Surprising Things You’re Not Supposed To Know About Sunscreen | Natural News

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Nutrition Tips To Boost a Healthy Sex Drive (Guide)

Nutrition Tips To Boost a Healthy Sex Drive (Guide) | Third Monk image 4

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.