10. Beer
The newest bad kid on the block, beer has long been overshadowed by its healthier alcoholic cousins.
While no one’s suggesting you switch that glass of antioxidant-rich Pinot Noir for a tall glass of lager–there’s still that beer gut to worry about–new research has suggested that moderate beer intake can actually improve cardiovascular function.
Now if only a scientist will discover the health benefits of ballpark franks and chicken wings. Heaven.
7. LSD
We’re definitely not in the business of advocating drug use. But check out this interesting science: In heavy drinkers, small doses of LSD have been thought to help bypass the rock-bottom stage of alcoholism and prevent relapses.
These studies–some decades old–were done in closely monitored, clinical settings; many patients haven’t had a drink in the many years since.
It’s an interesting finding that needs a lot more investigation, and not a remedy that should ever be tried at home. Meantime–and this may come as no surprise–a recent study of 36 volunteers who took an LSD-like drug in a lab setting had them reporting mystical experiences and behavior changes that lasted for weeks.
6. Sunlight
Exposure to the sun’s rays is necessary to survive, but can also kill you in gross, cancerous quantities. Asthmatics, at least, could benefit from measured doses of ultraviolet rays, according to scientists.
Sunlight suppressed the immune reactions that cause asthma in some lab studies with mice and could be used to treat humans afflicted with the disease in the future.
And sunlight–even if indirect, such as on a shaded porch–is known to boost the mood. Extra sunlight can help office workers avoid afternoon drowsiness, a recent study found. There’s still no excuse to head outside and bake, however.
4. Marijuana
It’s medicinal, we swear! Marijuana, often associated with memory loss, is ironically now being hyped as a way to stave off the ultimate form of memory loss–Alzheimer’s.
Recent studies on mice suggest that anti-inflammatories found in the drug prevent the clumping of brain proteins, one major cause of the disease. So when should you start preventative therapy? We suggest waiting for the human studies to wrap up.
1. Sex
Scientists have found that the benefits of sex go beyond immediate, ahem, gratification and satisfying the goal of procreation.
Besides the obvious evolutionary purposes, we can all take pleasure in the news that having sex is an easy way to reduce stress, lower cholesterol and improve circulation throughout the body. As if you needed another excuse.
Read more at Live Science
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