fasting

Sexual Frustration Leads to Accelerated Aging: Sex is the Answer

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No more sexual frustration here

Wow baby, I feel 10 years younger already! http://www.wired.com No more sexual frustration here!

The University of Michigan has given the world a new reason to never be a sexual tease: causing sexual frustration is tantamount to murder! In a study involving fruit flies, scientists found that the key to a long and healthy life might be sex.

The scientists placed normal male fruit flies in a tank flooded with genetically modified male fruit flies. These particular male fruit flies were genetically altered to release a female pheromone. As far as the normal fruit flies knew they were surrounded by beautiful female fruit flies ready and rearing to aid in the compost bin colony’s plan of colonial expansion. The only problem is that they couldn’t  see, hear, or feel the females. They couldn’t at all perceive the fruit fly goddesses that were surely laying all around them (which is probably for the best since fruit flies have toxic sperm). Needless to say, this situation has ‘sexual frustration’ written all over it.

Related Article: Aging Process is Similar to Replicating CDs: The Story of Telomeres 

The male fruit flies, perceiving the sexual pheromone but unable to mate, experienced

more stress and rapid decreases in fat stores and resistance to starvation. The sexually frustrated flies lived shorter lives. Mating, on the other hand, partially reversed the negative effects on health and aging.

So, let’s review:

Or fruit flies surrounded by untouchable mates! www.someecards.com

Or fruit flies surrounded by untouchable mates! http://www.someecards.com

Abstinence leads to stress, a skinny frame, a short life, and possible starvation.  Sex on the other hand leads to none of that and comes with a bonus pleasure surge. Tough choice.

Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, all of us are responsible for causing as little sexual frustration as possible. I’m glad that’s settled.

Another study using fruit flies found that in many instances, due to a toxin in the pheromone, just being around the opposite sex can cause a shortened lifespan in both sexes.  According to the study,

Their movements slowed, their bodies deteriorated, and their lifespans shortened by some 20 percent.

So what do sexual frustrations in  fruit fly studies have to with us genetically superior humans? Surprisingly, biological discoveries made in fruit flies carry over to other mammals like rodents and humans quite often. Scientists also use fruit flies because they only live for around 60 days. Due to their short lifespans scientists can view changes over hundreds of generations in a relatively short amount of time. Using the advantage of a short lifespan, scientists have even been able to view evolution take place before their eyes.

Related Article: The Loudest Penis on Earth

Sure, sex alone couldn’t make the fruit fly an immortal animal, but if a little love has even the slightest potential for extending our lives and keep us young, I say avoid unnecessary sexual frustration and find a friend to share some joy. Just be safe!

This study adds to the growing body of information concerned with finding a way to retain our youth into old age and extend our lives. It is a major human desire, ubiquitous across centuries of our past. The key could be anything, including technological advances, low-carb diets, fasting, nuts, or the upcoming singularity. It’s time to add sex to that list and remove as much sexual frustration as possible.

I will live FOREVER!!! sciencecenter.tumblr.com

I will live FOREVER!!! sciencecenter.tumblr.com

Sources:

http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201311/fruitflysex

http://www.genescient.com/research/why-fruit-flies/

https://wondergressive.com/news/immortality-formula-yolf/

https://wondergressive.com/news/the-wonderful-healthier-life-changing-and-life-lengthening-world-of-fasting/

https://wondergressive.com/news/eat-nuts-longer-life/

https://wondergressive.com/news/safe-reversible-cheap-proven-to-work-male-birth-control/

http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2013/11/28/scent-of-opposite-sex-shortens-lives-of-flies-and-worms/

https://wondergressive.com/news/hydra-immortality-linked-to-human-lifespan/

https://wondergressive.com/news/the-singularity-is-nigh-upon-us-2/

Eat Nuts For a Longer Life

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nuts heart

NUMMYYY!!!!!! Give me my nuts!
http://house-of-health-nuts.wikispaces.com/

A new study posted in the New England Journal of Medicine claims that a key to a longer life may be as easy as snacking on some delicious and healthy nuts!

Over 170,000 participants were included in the study over a period of 30 years. Participants reported their diet on a 2 year cycle in which data was gathered and applied to the study.

The final analysis gathered information from a little over 118,000 of those original 170,000 participants due to incomplete information and/or cessation in participation. The study yielded some really interesting results:

As compared with participants who consumed nuts less frequently, those who consumed nuts more frequently were leaner, less likely to smoke, more likely to exercise, and more likely to use multivitamin supplements; they also consumed more fruits and vegetables and drank more alcohol.

Related Article: Obese? Got a Fatty Liver? No Problem.

Did I just read that correctly? Are nuts a mind infusing, brainwashing, positive health boosting, youth extending, feel good super-food? What are you waiting for?! Get with the program and eat some already! But wait, healthy you say? Where are you drawing this from other than said study? Plenty of different sources agree that nuts are good for you, in fact the study talks about just how good they are nutritionally. They contain:

unsaturated fatty acids, high-quality protein, fiber, vitamins (e.g., folate, niacin, and vitamin E), minerals (e.g., potassium, calcium, and magnesium), and phytochemicals (e.g., carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols), may confer cardioprotective, anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Related Article: The Wonderful, Healthier World of Fasting

What if I don’t like to snack on peanuts? What if I hate walnuts? No worries, there are 9 different types of nuts that we can indulge in, so even if you aren’t too fond of a peanut, there may be hope for you yet. Not to mention each of these 9 different types have different amounts of protein and different amounts of nutrients.

This is quite a bold claim that the study is making but I would say that it is all relative to your own state of mind. Drawing from this study, I believe if you are snacking on tree nuts you are also likely avoiding junk food snacking, which is in itself already a recipe for a healthier lifestyle. Not only that but snacking on something packed with protein and nutrients helps you function better throughout your day, allowing for a productive and positive life. Cheers!

 

Research:

Association of Nut Consumption with Total and Cause-Specific Mortality

The New Low-Cholesterol Diet

NutHealth.org

 

Wondergressive: Obese? Got a Fatty Liver? No Problem.

Wondergressive: The Life Changing and Life Lengthening World of Fasting

Top 3 Foods to Eat in Ramadan: Suhoor

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The Muslim month of Ramadan is finally here and the preparations have been made. Most people would probably think that with a solid 18 hours without food or water, Muslims everywhere must just be dropping mad weight. Not so, my friends. While the idea is to humble yourself and understand your fellow man who might come from more modest means, the reality is that in most predominantly Muslim countries, Ramadan tends to resemble a 30-day festival with inconvenient dry periods. Fatty, deep-fried foods fare heavily on the fast-breaking menu—and sometimes, the same could be said about the morning meal. For those not of the faith, here’s a quick background:

The Islamic practice of fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five essential pillars of the religion. Believers rise about an hour or two before sunrise in order to prepare and eat the morning meal. The term varies by language, but in Arabic, this meal is known as suhoor. When dawn breaks, all eating, drinking (and sex!) is brought to a close. From then on until sunset, there is no eating, drinking (not even water), sexual relations, smokin, etc. At sunset, the fast is broken and participants are free to partake in the above (Author’s Note: Smoking is seriously bad for you and your wallet though. If you’ve been looking to quit, Ramadan can be a great time to start!). The cycle continues for 30 days, after which it is culminated by day of feasting.

SalamCenter.org offers a great summary on what Muslims hope to achieve with this ritual:

Some of the main benefits of Ramadan are an increased compassion for those in need of the necessities of life, a sense of self-purification and reflection and a renewed focus on spirituality. Muslims also appreciate the feeling of togetherness shared by family and friends throughout the month. Perhaps the greatest practical benefit is the yearly lesson in self-restraint and discipline that can carry forward to other aspects of a Muslim’s life such as work and education.

So, back to the food.

A Los Angeles Times article talks about the problem in Egypt, but it is a problem everywhere—particularly in Western countries where rich, calorie-laden food is so readily available.

In the spirit of Ramadan and to help out any of my brothers and sisters in faith that are trying to remain healthy and practicing self-discipline, here are the Top 3 foods to eat for suhoor:

1: Complex Carbohydrates

Dr. Farouk Haffejee of the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (Durban) recommends food that lasts longer. Jennifer Andrews, of Livestrong.com explains:

Carbs are the primary source of fuel used by the body and brain to perform its necessary physical and mental functions. Insufficient carbs in the diet lead to lethargy, weakness, and difficulty concentrating and thinking, as well as low moods and irritability. Complex carbs […] release energy to the body over a longer period of time, keeping energy levels stabilized.

Examples of complex carbs include whole grains, fruit, vegetables and legumes. Even pickles (which are made from cucumbers), soy products and dairy products are on the list.

2: Water!

Always remember to stay hydrated! Drink enough water throughout the evening and during suhoor to keep your body running at its best. 18 hours without hydration is no joke. Plan for it. We lose about a quart and a half of water a day just by breathing, and ultimately lose over three quarts a day.

Pro Tip

If you need to, get your water through things other than water. As much as I hate recommending things like coffee (ugh) or cola (even worse!), they are not diuretics, as previously believed. Diuretics cause you to urinate more frequently after ingesting them, however, Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., says that

new research shows […] caffeine has a diuretic effect only if you consume large amounts of it—more than 500-600 mlligrams.

3: Dates

Muslims have a special place in their hearts for dates due to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) extolling the virtues of the little fruit. Here’s a more scientific recommendation (among many) from OrganicFacts.net:

Dates have high levels of soluble fiber, which is essential in promoting healthy bowel movements and the comfortable passage of food through the intestinal tract, which can relieve symptoms of constipation.

What can I say? You gotta take care of your plumbing. =P

Conclusion

In it’s simplest terms, it boils down to what Dr. Haffejee said:

Our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible.

Those are some great words to take with you outside the times of fasting, as well.

Ramadan Mubarak, everyone!

 

References
SalamCenter.org: Frequently Asked Questions
Many Muslims Gain Weight During Ramadan Fasting
Food Habit Tips During Ramadan
The Health Benefits of Comlex carbohydrates and Diet
Why Is Hydration Important?
Health Benefits of Dates
What Your Poo Is Trying to Tell You
Best foods to eat at Suhoor this Ramadan
Mayo Clinic nutrition and healthy eating question

Skipping Breakfast Leads to Unhealthy Food Consumption

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We all know that eating breakfast is a healthy idea, but scientists have just given us another reason to break that nightly fast. Tony Goldstone, of the MRC Clinical Science Centre at Imperial College London, found that skipping breakfast not only leads to larger meals later in the day, but also cravings and a greater willingness to eat unhealthy food.

After presenting a group of participants with pictures of food, Goldstone found that people who had not eaten breakfast had a far more active orbitofrontal cortex when looking at high calorie, sugary foods than those that had eaten breakfast.  The more activity in the orbitofrontal cortex, the more a person enjoys the food they are eating.

Goldstone concluded that by skipping breakfast, you are setting yourself up to be more tempted by unhealthy, high calorie morsels.  So, unless you have the will power of a bus-pulling strong man and can control your cravings, do yourself a favor and eat a full, healthy breakfast.

 

Sources:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/oct/28/should-i-eat-breakfast

http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?sKey=ad6ab60f-ef54-429c-b9a6-6aecaac4bc4d&cKey=d099c6c0-159b-48f6-934f-46e4e3da4a61&mKey={70007181-01C9-4DE9-A0A2-EEBFA14CD9F1}

http://www.impactlab.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Strong-Man-802.jpg

The Wonderful, Healthier, Life Changing and Life Lengthening World of Fasting

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Research from all around the world is coming up with various results that all point to the same thing; fasting is a safe and highly effective way to improve your health and overall well being. As an introduction to the art and lifestyle choice that is fasting, take a look at this documentary created by BBC Horizon. The video documents various types of fasting and also details the copious amounts of benefits involved, with scientific proof and documentation, in an easy to watch, entertaining format.

What is Fasting? 

Fasting is age old.  The first question people ask when I tell them I am fasting is “is there a religious reason?”  Various religions have historically incorporated some form of fasting, most notably for the spiritual and emotional benefits of the practice.

Although there are many types of fasting, fasting in general means abstaining from consuming food.  More specifically, abstinence from caloric ingestion.  The practitioner should stay hydrated by drinking water and/or tea, but that’s it.

The hardest part of fasting is the psychological hurdles.  You realize with full force that hunger in a civilized society is far more about the tongue than it is about actual nutrition.  I am currently on day 2 of a 5 day fast and have been without food for approximately 40 hours. I am not hungry in the slightest bit, but I can’t get food off my mind.  My stomach is quite content, but my thoughts betray me! This is where tea becomes especially handy.  It allows my taste buds to be satiated while refraining from ingesting any actual caloric substance.

Why Should I Fast?


Fasting is one of the healthiest and most beneficial things you can do for your body and your mind. Although a low calorie, nutrient rich diet seems to be the optimal way to eat, even with a very poor diet, fasting leads to dramatically positive changes in health. As a quick overview of some of the benefits of fasting, I, and medical professionals can safely say it will lead to:

  • Dramatic anti-aging effects
  • Weight loss
  • Increased amount of brain cells
  • Higher good cholesterol/lower bad cholesterol
  • Lower triglyceride levels
  • Stable blood pressure
  • General detoxification and drug detoxification
  • Clearer skin
  • Positive diet changes
  • Better resistance to disease
  • Reduction of allergies
  • Rest for digestive organs
  • Better sleep
  • Change of habits
  • Clearer planning
  • Better attitude
  • Creativity/ new ideas
  • Improved senses  (vision, hearing, taste)
  • Inspiration
  • More clarity (mentally and emotionally)
  • More energy
  • More relaxation
  • Purification, rejuvenation, and revitalization
  • Spiritual awareness

While filming the BBC documentary, Michael Mosley discovered that even eating unhealthily, by practicing intermittent fasting, his health improved markedly in a wide range of areas. Most notably, after a 4 day fast, his bad cholesterol was significantly lower, his unhealthy triglycerides were nearly halved, and most importantly, his levels of IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor) were more than halved.

Interestingly, fasting in mice, and potentially humans, also leads to an increased number of brain cells.  Researchers believe this is evolutionary, as, if you are without food, the number of synapses grow and neural networks expand to increase awareness and perception in order to more efficiently remember sources of food and to find new sources.

What is IGF-1, and Why Don’t I Want it? 

IGF-1 is a hormone produced in the body which is predominantly responsible for growth.  When you are young it is essential, but as we grow older it becomes one of our greatest enemies.  According to the BBC study, “The IGF-1 hormone (insulin-like growth factor) is one of the drivers which keep our bodies in go-go mode, with cells driven to reproduce. This is fine when you are growing, but not so good later in life.”

A great amount of research has gone into monitoring the effects of IGF-1 on the human body. Low levels of IGF-1 seem to correlate directly to an extended life span, less age related illnesses, and better overall health.  IGF-1 can be kept at low levels through a proper nutrient rich, low calorie diet.  It can also be dramatically lowered through fasting.

High levels of IGF-1 are directly related to obesity, cardiovascular disease, greater risk of age related illnesses, and higher rates of morbidity.

Fasting and Diet

Unfortunately, fasting once will not ensure long term health.  If you fast, and then go right back to the high calorie, low nutrition diet you ate before, you are guaranteed to have unhealthy levels of unwanted chemicals within a day or two.  They key is persistence and diet.

A nutrient rich diet filled with raw vegetables, leafy greens, fruits (especially berries), nuts, legumes, lentils, grains and oils high in poly and mono unsaturated fats like coconut oil will ensure long term, overall health. There are many tips and tricks to attain a truly nutrient dense diet.  An example of this is eating only the skin of an apple, since 95% of the nutrients are found in the skin. The rest is sugar.  This holds true for many fruits and vegetables.

Drop the sodas, diet or not, and start eating natural, life supporting foods.  Food can be the greatest medicine in the world.

Here’s a site with further information regarding nutrient dense foods to help get you started.

Here’s another site that will help you track your calories, and nutrients down to the single amino acid and/or phyto nutrient!

As a final note, I love fasting.  I usually fast 1-2 days each week, with a lengthier fast every couple of months or so.  I feel lighter, freer, happier and more aware.  My senses become heightened, and the world seems more at peace.  The health benefits are just a bonus!

The Life Changing and Life Lengthening World of Fasting

/ esfein / 4 Comments

Research from all around the world is coming up with various results that all point to the same thing; fasting is a safe and highly effective way to improve your health and overall well being. In documentary created by BBC Horizon Michael Mosley gives an introduction to the art and lifestyle choice that is fasting.  The video documents various types of fasting and also details the copious amounts of benefits involved, with scientific proof and documentation, in an easy to watch, entertaining format.

*Update 3/3/13: The documentary has become so popular that Michael Mosley is writing a book. The link is now to an interview with him.

What is Fasting? 

Fasting is age old.  The first question people ask when I tell them I am fasting is “is there a religious reason?”  Various religions have historically incorporated some form of fasting, most notably for the spiritual and emotional benefits of the practice.

theyogadr.com

theyogadr.com

Although there are many types of fasting, fasting in general means abstaining from consuming food.  More specifically, abstinence from caloric ingestion.  The practitioner should stay hydrated by drinking water and/or tea, but that’s it.

The hardest part of fasting is the psychological hurdles.  You realize with full force that hunger in a civilized society is far more about the tongue than it is about actual nutrition.  I am currently on day 2 of a 5 day fast and have been without food for approximately 40 hours. I am not hungry in the slightest bit, but I can’t get food off my mind.  My stomach is quite content, but my thoughts betray me! This is where tea becomes especially handy.  It allows my taste buds to be satiated while refraining from ingesting any actual caloric substance.

Why Should I Fast?


Fasting is one of the healthiest and most beneficial things you can do for your body and your mind. Although a low calorie, nutrient rich diet seems to be the optimal way to eat, even with a very poor diet, fasting leads to dramatically positive changes in health. As a quick overview of some of the benefits of fasting, I, and medical professionals can safely say it will lead to:

  • Dramatic anti-aging effects
  • Weight loss
  • Increased amount of brain cells
  • Higher good cholesterol/lower bad cholesterol
  • Lower triglyceride levels
  • Stable blood pressure
  • General detoxification and drug detoxification
  • Clearer skin
  • Positive diet changes
  • Better resistance to disease
  • Reduction of allergies
  • Rest for digestive organs
  • Better sleep
  • Change of habits
  • Clearer planning
  • Better attitude
  • Creativity/ new ideas
  • Improved senses  (vision, hearing, taste)
  • Inspiration
  • More clarity (mentally and emotionally)
  • More energy
  • More relaxation
  • Purification, rejuvenation, and revitalization
  • Spiritual awareness

While filming the BBC documentary, Michael Mosley discovered that even eating unhealthily, by practicing intermittent fasting, his health improved markedly in a wide range of areas. Most notably, after a 4 day fast, his bad cholesterol was significantly lower, his unhealthy triglycerides were nearly halved, and most importantly, his levels of IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor) were more than halved.

Interestingly, fasting in mice, and potentially humans, also leads to an increased number of brain cells.  Researchers believe this is evolutionary, as, if you are without food, the number of synapses grow and neural networks expand to increase awareness and perception in order to more efficiently remember sources of food and to find new sources.

What is IGF-1, and Why Don’t I Want it? 

IGF-1 is a hormone produced in the body which is predominantly responsible for growth.  When you are young it is essential, but as we grow older it becomes one of our greatest enemies.  According to the BBC study, “The IGF-1 hormone (insulin-like growth factor) is one of the drivers which keep our bodies in go-go mode, with cells driven to reproduce. This is fine when you are growing, but not so good later in life.”

A great amount of research has gone into monitoring the effects of IGF-1 on the human body. Low levels of IGF-1 seem to correlate directly to an extended life span, less age related illnesses, and better overall health.  IGF-1 can be kept at low levels through a proper nutrient rich, low calorie diet.  It can also be dramatically lowered through fasting.

High levels of IGF-1 are directly related to obesity, cardiovascular disease, greater risk of age related illnesses, and higher rates of morbidity.

Fasting and Diet

Unfortunately, fasting once will not ensure long term health.  If you fast, and then go right back to the high calorie, low nutrition diet you ate before, you are guaranteed to have unhealthy levels of unwanted chemicals within a day or two.  They key is persistence and diet.

A nutrient rich diet filled with raw vegetables, leafy greens, fruits (especially berries), nuts, legumes, lentils, grains and oils high in poly and mono unsaturated fats like coconut oil will ensure long term, overall health. There are many tips and tricks to attain a truly nutrient dense diet.  An example of this is eating only the skin of an apple, since 95% of the nutrients are found in the skin. The rest is sugar.  This holds true for many fruits and vegetables.

Drop the sodas, diet or not, and start eating natural, life supporting foods.  Food can be the greatest medicine in the world.

For further information regarding nutrient dense foods head over to the Nutrient Rich Foods Coalition website to help get you started.

Cron-o-meter is a site that will help you track your calories, and nutrients down to the single amino acid and/or phyto nutrient!

As a final note, I love fasting.  I usually fast 1-2 days each week, with a lengthier fast every couple of months or so.  I feel lighter, freer, happier and more aware.  My senses become heightened, and the world seems more at peace.  The health benefits are just a bonus!

 

 

 

Sources and Resources to Take the Next Step:

Raw Food Explained: History of Fasting

All About Fasting: Types of Fasting

All About Fasting: Benefits of Fasting

BBC News: Proof Mounts on Restricted Diet

PubMeg.gov: Insulin-like Growth Factor-1: Compartmentalization within the somatotropic axis?

IGF-1 Receptor Regulates Lifespan and Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Mice

PNAS: Intermittent Fasting Dissociates Beneficial Effects of Dietary Restriction on Glucose Metabolism and Neuronal Resistance to Injury from Calorie Intake

Chicago Tribune: Can it! Soda Studies Cite Stronger Link to Obesity

Nutrient Rich Foods Coalition: Achieve Better Health: Your Guide to Nutrient-Rich Eating

Cronometer

Obesity Has More to Do With Diet Than Excercise

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Researchers have studied a hunter-gatherer tribe, the Hazdas, and have discovered that despite much higher levels of activity compared to Western lifestyles, their metabolic rate is identical to ours.  Even after corrections for height and weight, all Hazda men and women aged 18 to 75 burn calories at the same rate of people in the West.

This has shone a bright light on the importance of diet, especially when it comes to portion size. According to one of the chief researchers, Dr. Pontzer,

“This to me says that the big reason that Westerners are getting fat is because we eat too much – it’s not because we exercise too little. Being active is really important to your health but it won’t keep you thin – we need to eat less to do that.”

Energy expenditure happens to be almost identical across the physiological board.