Busting common health myths

Read the rest of the article

Do I need to drink eight glasses of water a day?




Drinking 64 ounces of water a day is a myth that’s been accepted as gospel for ages. Water is indeed a crucial ingredient of a healthy body, but exactly how much you need depends on your individual hydration levels, activity levels, and illnesses such as diabetes.




For example, those who train hard and sweat more need more water. Likewise, people with kidney disease must drink more water to boost kidney function. Individuals who are not very active may not need to drink eight glasses of water a day.




Do eggs raise cholesterol?




Eating eggs spikes your cholesterol levels, and it’s bad for your heart. Right? Wrong!




This myth originated in the late 1960s, and the health guidance at the time recommended that people eat no more than three eggs per week. However, in 2015, this myth was debunked. There’s even evidence that suggests that eggs can promote heart health.




In a nutshell, this means that we’ve been avoiding over-eggy diets for decades without reason.




Can I have my bacon and eat it too?




Saturated fats are a debatable and dual-sided ‘myth’. As with eggs, health professionals warned against the inherent cardiac dangers of saturated fats for decades on end.




A 2017 study turned these beliefs inside out. It stated that our bacon, butter, cheeses, and more do not block our arteries and that LDL cholesterol is not as bad as we previously thought. Needless to say, many people gave this research a standing ovation, and others a huge thumbs down.




We can tell you that research and debates are ongoing, and scientists recommend limiting your saturated fat intake to less than 10% of your total calorie intake per day. Maybe it’s best to err on the side of caution…




Is organic food healthier?




Common trends loudly advocate in favor of organic food instead of traditionally farmed sources. However, the truth is, there’s no factual evidence that proves organic options are actually better for you.




There are, however, studies that highlight the potential perks of organic food, and, in the wake of these, many flock to their local farmers’ markets. Nevertheless, there’s still a lot of uncertainty, and this tug of war is almost as contentious as the bacon debate.




Although the jury is still out on the health benefits of organic food, it does no harm to reach for the fruit and veg grown without manmade pesticides. Scientists also suggest that when you eat whole fruit, such as berries, organic is better, but when it needs peeling, such as bananas, conventionally grown options are fine.




Does eating sugar cause diabetes?




Sugar, sugar, sugar… It’s by no means as sweet as it sounds. Although there’s no direct link between sugar consumption and type 2 diabetes, sugary foods drive weight gain and insulin resistance, which can cause this condition.




While we’re on the topic of sugar, let’s debunk another myth. Many believe that options such as coconut sugar or agave nectar are better for our health than processed cane sugar. This isn’t true. Any form of sugar should be taken in moderation. The same goes for molasses and honey!




What about replacing conventional sugars with artificial sweeteners? Research shows that artificial sweeteners can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and digestive problems.




Fruits are healthier sweet options because they combine their sugars with fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.




Can coffee stunt growth?




The coffee-stunting-growth myth has been doing the rounds for ages, and no one’s really sure where it came from. There’s no evidence that this is true. Apart from temporarily spiking your blood pressure, coffee has no links to any medical conditions.




Does cracking knuckles cause arthritis?




Regardless of what your grandmother told you, cracking your knuckles will not cause arthritis. Those popping sounds are gas bubbles in the synovial fluid inside your joints and have nothing to do with bone grinding on bone.




Osteoarthritis – the kind related to your bones – originates from genetics, age or injuries. So, crack away!




Do GMOs cause cancer?




As terrifying as they may sound, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) – in this case, crops – are not bad for you. There’s no tangible scientific evidence that shows these foods cause cancer or any other diseases.




In fact, many long-term studies prove that these foods are just as nutritious as natural alternatives and are safe for both human and animal consumption. Proponents also point out that they help with minimizing the use of pesticides, boost crop yields, and aid in the fight against hunger.




Can my microwave give me cancer?




Again, no. Microwaves mostly warm up and sometimes cook our food. No evidence suggests that electromagnetic radiation, the kind microwaves emit, causes cancer.




Your microwave oven contains this radiation. Also, manufacturers are legally obliged to stick to a maximum leak ceiling that does not harm humans.




Can my antiperspirant give me breast cancer?




While we’re busy with cancer-causing myths, let’s also debunk this one. Despite a furor about deodorant and aluminum, applying these products to the outer layer of your skin won’t cause cancer. The American Cancer Society also weighed in and said that there’s no concrete proof that antiperspirants cause breast cancer.