Health Myths Exposed

We’ve all been influenced by health advice passed on through the ages, but is it the right thing to do? Sharon stephenson scrutinises some common ‘facts’

Carrots give you night vision, drink eight glasses of water a day, swimming after eating will give you cramp. We’ve probably all heard these sayings, and may even have repeated them ourselves. But let’s be honest, how true are they? Could they simply be old wives’ tales, handed down from generation to generation without question, or is there actually some scientific evidence to them? We’ve unearthed the truth behind some of the world’s most often repeated health and wellness myths.

MYTH 1

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

This myth has been around since 1913. It’s true that apples are high in fiber and antioxidants such as quercetin and chlorogenic acid, but scientists say this alone isn’t all you need for optimum health, especially if certain viruses or bacteria are determined to have their way with you. A University of Michigan School of Nursing study from 2008-2010 found that while eating an apple a day didn’t keep the doctor away, it did help adults avoid prescription medicine. So maybe it needs to be amended to read ‘an apple a day keeps the pharmacist away’?

MYTH 2

DRINK EIGHT GLASSES OF WATER A DAY

Don’t swallow this one. We can all agree hydration is important, but the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes the eight glasses a day figure is a bit misleading because it doesn’t take into account the hydration we get from other drinks and food. The rule of thumb, they say, is to forget counting the number of glasses – just drink when you’re thirsty and go for water over sugary beverages or soft drinks (you’ll also consume fewer calories).

MYTH 3

Going outside with wet hair will give you a cold