Debunking Health Myths

We live in an information age, where we are bombarded with data from all around on various subjects, including health. Over the years, plenty of health myths started circling around, and even today, where information is more accessible than ever – such myths still exist! Well, we are here to separate the truth from the lies and help you discover what is true and what is false. It's time to play health myth debunkers:

False Health Myths

Eggs are bad for your heart

This is one of the oldest health myths that many people know. Many people believe that daily consumption of eggs increases the risk for heart disease, but this is simply not true. Eating two eggs a day will not only not harm you, it actually has health benefits; eggs are full of natural protein, Omega-3, and they are considered a multivitamin. So, if you like to start your days with an omelet – enjoy.

Cracking fingers causes arthritis

Who hasn't heard this one? one of the best ways to relieve tension in your fingers is to crack them, but there will always be that person who will tell you this practice will lead to arthritis. There were studies conducted about this health myth, and they led to one conclusion – arthritis is not caused by cracking fingers. The condition develops as a result of cartilage breakdown – which causes bones to rub together and become inflamed. Cracking your fingers does not wear your cartilage, so crack away.

Bottled water is better than tap water

Yes, if you live somewhere with sewage problems and brown water streaming from your faucets – this may be true. However, if you have regular tap water in your kitchen, they are completely safe to drink. Bottled water companies work tirelessly to convince you that their water is better than tap water, but it is not true. Most municipal tap water is perfect to drink, and whenever you skip bottled water, you help the environment by reducing the use of plastic.

Going outside with wet hair will make you sick

This one is a grandmother-sanctioned health myth that has takes roots, literally, over the years. Many people believe that going out with wet hair, especially in cold weather, will make them sick. A study in the matter, conducted in 2005, has debunked the myth that feeling cold will give you a cold. When you go outside with wet hair, you cannot get sick – unless you are already infected with a bug or a virus. You may feel the chill on your head, but it will not make you sick.

Antiperspirants cause breast cancer

This is probably one of the most common health myths out there; the fear of breast cancer is no laughing matter, but antiperspirants DO NOT cause the illness. The theory is that chemicals found in antiperspirants get into the breast tissue, and increase the chances for breast tumor formation. However, this is untrue; according to the National Cancer Institute, there is no connection between breast cancer and the use of antiperspirants.

Fat is bad for you

It is true that consuming large amounts of fat is not healthy, but avoiding fats entirely is just as bad. Not all fats are created equal, and you need this building block in your daily diet. The body uses for cushioning, staying warm, the absorption of vitamins, and many more things. Also, certain fats, like the ones found in fish and nuts, improve blood cholesterol levels and support heart health. So, you need fat in your diet – preferably natural and unprocessed fat.

You need to take multivitamins daily

Most of us do not adhere to the 9 fruit and vegetable per day rule. This has led many to believe that they need to take multivitamins daily in order to complete the daily dietary needs. However, this is not true; the body needs small amounts of vitamins, so there is no need to take vitamins daily. To make sure that your body is not lacking in these vital components, get regular blood tests. You should only take multivitamins upon doctor's orders or when you are pregnant.  

Sugar makes kids jump off the walls

Eating too much sugar is bad for kids, but it does not make them hyper. Sugar can hurt teeth and kids' overall health, so they should eat it in moderation. Many parents believe that sugar causes their kids to misbehave, but studies in the matter have shown there is no connection between the two. This myth comes from a psychological phenomenon, and not a physical one; parents who believe their kids will be hyper after eating sugar will be more susceptible to noticing their kids' every move, construing every energetic behavior as sugar-related.

 There you have it. 8 of the most common health myths, debunked. The most important thing you should take away from this article is to listen to your body (and your doctor), and not to the things that people with no health education tell you.