Dates, sometimes called palm fruit or date palms, are native to dry, arid climates such as the desert. The fruit of the palm tree, dates can be eaten fresh but are more commonly dried and eaten as is, or they can be used to make smoothies or in stews where they add a rich sweetness.

Creatine and protein both occur naturally and can be effective in promoting muscle growth when combined with strength training. Creatine and protein affect muscles in different ways, and can be even more beneficial for your muscles when you take them together. They are available in a variety of foods and supplements.

Many people rely on caffeine, a substance that's absorbed quickly, for energy. Some people, however, are sensitive to caffeine or don't want to include it in their diet.

Lemon juice can both hurt and help male fertility, depending on how it is used. The nutrients in this juice -- including vitamin C and thiamin -- may boost fertility, although applying it directly to sperm may have deleterious effects.

Pills, powders, shakes -- Americans are willing to do whatever it takes to lose weight, even risk unpleasant odors emitting from their bodies. High-fat, low-carb diets such as the Atkins diet, also referred to as ketogenic diets, induce ketosis, which causes you to lose your appetite.

Ringing in your ears can be caused by hearing loss, trauma, earwax blocking the ear canal, medications, ear infections or some medical disorders, such as Meniere’s disease.

How long a particular food takes to digest depends primarily on its macronutrient makeup. Of the three macronutrients, carbohydrates digest the quickest, while fats are the slowest to digest. Pasta is primarily made up of carbohydrate with some protein and a trace amount of fat.

A 6-ounce portion of sirloin steak is twice as big as a usual 3-ounce portion -- which is about the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand, according to MedlinePlus. Eating a 6-ounce, protein-rich sirloin will help you achieve -- or exceed -- your daily protein needs.

Bulking, or putting on muscle, is a goal of many bodybuilders. To gain muscle, follow a regimented exercise routine — allowing adequate time for rest and recovery — and eat a diet that supports muscle growth.

Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source. Eating carbohydrates provides energy to your muscles, brain and nervous system; facilitates the metabolism of fat; and ensures that the protein in your muscles is not broken down to supply energy.

Meat is a good source of protein and other important nutrients; but meat also contains saturated fat, which can clog your arteries, so you should not eat too much. The amount of meat an individual should consume is based on individual protein and calorie needs.

Raw carrots make a convenient and healthy snack, but too much of even a good thing can cause you problems. Overindulging in raw carrots, which contain 3.4 g of fiber per cup, can cause intestinal problems and might interfere with nutrient absorption.