Many inaccurate beliefs about health remain, even after having been disproven. Here, experts dispel some of the more pernicious myths.
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1. Sugar Makes You Hyper
Returning home from a children’s birthday party laden with half-eaten cupcakes, biscuits and lollies may make it seem as though sugar fuels hyperactivity in kids – however this belief has been debunked through decades of studies. Though sweets do increase dopamine release – a reward chemical which boosts activity – ScienceAlert reports this effect is significantly weaker than Ritalin or Concerta psychostimulants that release much higher doses.
The idea that sugar causes hyperactivity likely stems from the 1973 Feingold Diet, which advocated for eliminating foods containing artificial dyes and preservatives due to their supposed connection with hyperactivity in children. Unfortunately, Feingold’s claims were overstated, as studies have disproven any such correlation between food additives and hyperactivity.
2. MSG Gives You Cancer
MSG (Monsitored Glutamic Acid), found both naturally in many foods as well as added to others, was once widely considered harmful and unhealthy. While there have been some poorly designed studies which fed this perception of it being toxic and unsafe, most experts now view MSG as safe and an excellent flavor enhancer.
Kikunae Ikeda made the discovery in 1882 while searching for what gave seaweed broth its signature umami flavor (savory). He isolated an extractive compound and combined it with sodium – creating monosodium glutamate.
MSG can be found in Chinese dishes and canned soups, frozen foods and processed items containing frozen seafood – though some people may experience adverse reactions such as headache and nausea in response to MSG consumption, according to experts it likely doesn’t have anything to do with the ingredient itself.
3. Wet Hair Makes You Sick
Since your grandmother instilled in you the importance of wearing a hat when the temperature drops below freezing, she likely advised against leaving home with wet hair. Unfortunately, this old health recommendation is based on myths and outdated information which has since been disproven.
Germs that cause illnesses like colds and flu aren’t spread through wet hair; therefore, walking outside with wet locks will not put your health at risk. They’re more likely to spread by touching surfaces containing germs or inhaling air filled with them.
Sleeping with wet hair increases your risk of infections in both the scalp and skin, as fungi and bacteria thrive in moist environments such as pillows. A cap or bonnet helps protect wet locks from coming in contact with pillow cases and skin during sleep to further lower risk factors like freeloaders.
4. Carrots Give You Superpowers
Carrots contain beta-carotene, which our bodies convert to vitamin A for proper eye and immune system health. Furthermore, carrots contain luteolin – an anti-inflammatory and cancer-prevention compound found within flavonoid phytochemicals – providing additional benefits.
Carrots are an excellent source of dietary fiber, with one medium carrot providing two grams. Fiber plays an essential role in digestive health by encouraging regular bowel movements and helping prevent constipation and bloating.
Stolarczyk believes consuming lots of carrots will not give you superhero-level vision. He attributes this myth to British propaganda during WWII when British military needed to conceal new radar technology used to repel German bombers without tipping off enemies. The misleading carrot theory was introduced as part of this propaganda effort to promote an easily grown and readily available vegetable during rationing during World War II.
5. Pregnancy Gives You Baby Brain
Pregnancy brain is real, yet the exact causes remain disputed. Hormones and fatigue can play a part, while poor diet, stress and shifting priorities could all play a part as potential triggers.
Research does show that pregnant women typically have decreased gray matter in the part of their brain responsible for processing information and spatial memory (the feeling you get when entering a room and can’t remember why), perhaps as their focus shifts toward caring for a new life as opposed to managing other important tasks.
Be assured: Baby Brain isn’t harmful and typically improves after giving birth. Just try keeping tabs on essential items like your calendar and keys while being kind to yourself.
