Scientists debunk 10 popular health myths

A proper lifestyle, physical activity and a balanced diet are the key to health and longevity. In fact, following these simple rules is effective enough to ensure the full functioning of the body. However, over the course of our lives, we get a lot of "useful" advice from specialists at different levels, which sometimes contains contradictory or unconfirmed information.

Even some doctors may be mistaken or not follow the latest findings of scientists. OBOZREVATEL analyzed the available information and collected 10 popular health claims that are actually myths.

Myth #1: Going outdoors with wet hair, you will get sick.

To date, there is no evidence that going outside with a wet head will make you sick, unless you have already been sick.

One study tested the hypothesis that cooling the body can contribute to the symptoms of a cold (viral nasopharyngitis) and disproved this information, because it is only possible to get sick when a virus enters your body.

Another experiment showed that men who spent a few hours at +5 degrees Celsius had increased immune activity to fight viruses. Therefore, on the contrary, you have a better chance of getting infected in a dry and warm room, where germs easily settle on over-dried mucous membranes.

Myth #2: Crunching your fingers causes arthritis

This strange habit may surprise or even irritate family and friends, but by itself does not lead to arthritis caused by the destruction of cartilage within the joint. The crunching occurs due to the rupture of connective fluid gas bubbles.

One confirmation of this information was an experiment by physician Donald L. Unger of California, who regularly crunched the fingers of one hand, but his arthritis progressed equally in both hands as he aged.

Myth #3: You should drink at least 8 glasses of water daily

It's hard to overestimate the benefits of water for the body, but we shouldn't go to extremes. In fact, our body is able to signal dehydration in time. So it is enough to drink clean water when you feel thirsty. If your diet is properly balanced, you consume a lot of foods that already contain water throughout the day, meeting your body's needs.

Note that if you are sick with a high fever or live in a hot climate, your body may require more fluids.

Myth #4. Deodorants and antiperspirants cause cancer

Some scientists believe that chemicals in deodorants can be absorbed through the armpits and cause cancer. However, medical research has found no such evidence, nor has it shown an increased risk of breast cancer after using cosmetics.

Myth #5. Fats are bad for your health

The food industry is offering more and more products labeled "fat-free," reinforcing the belief that consuming fat is bad for the body. However, fat is an essential macronutrient for producing the energy necessary for organs to function properly, as well as for keeping warm and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.

Useful fats found in nuts or vegetable oils help lower "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood, and omega-3 fatty acids from salmon or trout support cardiac function.

Not all fats are equal, so be careful and picky when formulating your diet and avoid saturated or trans fats, but be sure to add healthy ones to your menu.

Myth #6. Eggs are bad for your heart

This information is based on the fact that egg yolks contain harmful cholesterol. However, its amount is minimal and does not threaten the body as much as the aggregate of fatty foods in the diet. In addition, eggs contain nutrients such as omega-3, which on the contrary improve the functioning of the heart system.

Myth #7. It is necessary to constantly take multivitamin complexes

If you are pregnant or recovering from a serious illness and have a deficiency of vitamins, such a doctor's prescription should be followed, because it will help the body and enrich it with the necessary substances.

However, there is no need to constantly take synthetic drugs, because the best way to maintain a balance of vitamins and minerals is to enrich your menu with natural fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and vegetable oils.

Myth #8. Natural sugar is healthy

In fact, no matter what we call it, sugar is sugar. Cane or coconut, agave syrup, and honey and molasses are just as harmful and count in calorie counting as regular sucrose. Your body processes all of these types in the same way. The only difference may be that the sugar in fruits contains fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, making them more nutritious than snacks or regular candy.

Myth #9. Microwave ovens cause cancer

It's not. Microwave ovens heat your food-no more, no less. They produce electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation that is not strong enough to affect cell structure changes and cause disease.

Also, if your appliances are working properly, even this radiation stays behind the walls of the oven and does not transfer to the food.

Myth #10. The sun is healthier than a tanning bed

Both the sun and the tanning bed have a negative effect on your skin, exposing it to ultraviolet radiation that can not only cause premature aging, but also cause cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology states that tanning in the sun and using a tanning bed are equally harmful.

As you can see, there is a lot of contradictory information, so even the advice of doctors should be treated with caution and sometimes check the known medical facts, because in fact we alone are responsible for a quality and full life.

Previously OBOZREVATEL wrote about the harm for the body of ordinary household items. Experts stressed that laundry conditioners cause skin irritation and headaches, and cleaning products contain dangerous chemicals.

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