We all hear certain "facts" about our health from a range of sources, be it over coffee with mates, or from a recent, not so trustworthy, survey. So we've decided to put together a list of common health myths which have actually been debunked.
From the 5 second rule to Sugar causing hyperactivity in kids, not all of what you think to be true is.
1). Sugar causes hyperactivity in children.
The common myth that sugar causes hyperactivity in children may not be all that true. According to The Business Insider , numerous scientific studies have tried and failed to find any evidence that supports this theory. According to the National Institute of Mental Health:
"The idea that refined sugar causes ADHD or makes symptoms worse is popular, but more research discounts this theory than supports it."
2). The 5 second rule.
If I pick up my food within five seconds of it falling it's still ok to eat. I think we all already know that this isn't true, but just in case you need it confirmed. Bacteria don't wait 5 seconds before swarming your food. According to Science Daily , Rutgers researchers have disproven the widely accepted notion.
"Transfer of bacteria from surfaces to food appears to be affected most by moisture," Schaffner said, one or the researchers on the paper. "Bacteria don't have legs, they move with the moisture, and the wetter the food, the higher the risk of transfer. Also, longer food contact times usually result in the transfer of more bacteria from each surface to food."
So it looks like type of surface, and moisture are factors in how much bacteria your food attracts and not just time.
3). Antiperspirant Causes Breast Cancer.
Many people believe that the chemicals in antiperspirant and roll on deodorants can be absorbed by the skin and end up in breast tissue, increasing the risk of cancer. While this theory makes sense, there is not a lot of evidence to support it. According to WebMD , the National Cancer Institute says there’s no evidence connecting either product with breast cancer.
4). You can cure a hangover by drinking more.
We wish this were true! Drinking when you've a hangover may make you feel temporarily better, but this is only because alcohol dulls your senses. It's similar to the fact that you often don't notice injuries sustained on a night out until he next morning, alcohol in your system has a numbing effect. but is not a remedy.
5). Feed a cold, starve a fever.
We're still solid believers in this one, however, it's not technically a proven way to get rid of either of these. The reason this is not necessarily accurate is because your body needs energy to recover, so restricting or 'starving' your fever may make you feel a lot weaker, and slow down the process.
Can you think of any other common health myths that aren't actually true?
