Are These Top Ten Urban Myths True or False?

 

 

Some will call them urban myths, others will refer to old wives' tales but either way, they have been passed down over the years and for many have become a way of life...

1.  An apple a day keeps the doctor away

There was an old proverb from the mid 1800s which read "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread".

Of course apples are a healthy food source providing dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium as well as antioxidants and essential nutrients but there is no evidence to suggest that just eating an apple a day will solve any health problems.  We know there are so many other important elements to ensuring a healthy diet and lifestyle!

2.  Oranges are the best natural source of vitamin C

Many people are under the impression that this is true without realizing that there are so many fruits and vegetables which have much higher levels of vitamin C.  These include red peppers, kiwi fruit and broccoli.  

It is so important for our health to include vitamin C in our diet on a daily basis and perhaps to supplement too as vitamin C cannot be made or stored in the body. 

At the first hint of feeling unwell, take a 1000mg of a vitamin C supplement and keep taking every few hours until you feel better.  

 

3.  Carrots will help you to see in the dark

It was during the Second World War (in the UK) that the story about carrots was used as propaganda to promote them as the new superfood and to distract attention from a secret radar system that the Royal Air Force were using to detect German planes.  

While it is true that Vitamin A (found in carrots) is vital for vision - and being deficient can lead to night blindness - eating carrots will not improve your eyesight or your night vision.

As well as carrots, include sweet potato and leafy greens such as spinach and kale for their beta-carotene content - which the body converts into Vitamin A.

 

4.  Eating fat will put on the weight

This idea has been a common one for many years.  However, it is the type of fat consumed and the overall balance of nutrients in your diet that plays such a crucial role in weight management.

Those healthy fats found in avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, olive oil and more have a host of benefits:

• Supporting hormone regulation
• Improving brain health
• Aiding the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K which vitamins are also linked to metabolic function.

Always be wary of fat-free foots.  Often when fat is removed from a food, sugar and other preservatives may be added to enhance flavor.  These can be very detrimental to your health.

 

5.  Cheese gives you nightmares

As children, we were often told that if we had cheese before bedtime, we would have nightmares in our sleep.  But it is more complicated that this simple statement.

While cheese does not directly cause nightmares, research has shown that for some people it does happen and this could be because of two amino acids which are found in these - namely tryptophan and tyramine which cause serotonin and noradrenaline production respectfully.  these two hormones are known to cause more vivid dreams and even the possibility of disrupted sleep. 

Whoever you are, it is always wiser to eat your evening meal two to three hours before bedtime - whether it contains cheese or not.

 

6.  Caffeine is bad for you

The subject of caffeine always divides opinions!

And yes, in high doses caffeine can be bad for us - even triggering rhythm disturbances within the heart.  However, in low or moderate doses, it can even provide some benefits:

• Increased alertness
• Improved cognitive function
• Temporarily heightens physical performance
• Help alleviate fatigue and drowsiness.

Nevertheless, the effects of caffeine vary from person to person.

 

7.  Bread leads to bloating

Some will complain that eating bread does cause bloating.  Obviously in those who are coeliac or gluten-intolerant, bread can cause considerable abdominal pain and discomfort.  However, changing to a brown sourdough, rye or whole grain seeded bread may well provide a more comfortable experience - and such bread can be a great source of fiber, healthy fats and even various vitamins and minerals.

8.  Eating cheese and/or chocolate causes acne

These products are said to be extremely unlikely to be the cause of acne. 

However because cow's milk contains hormones known as androgens (which can be inflammatory for some people) those with an allergy to dairy products made from cow's milk may find that eating cheese or chocolate may actually make an existing acne problem worse.

 

 

9.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day 

For years, we have been told that breakfast IS the most important meal of the day and of course the clue is in the name BREAK FAST after not eating for twelve hours or more.  Make the most of breakfast to eat a healthy and balanced meal to set you up for the day ahead. 

However, lunch and supper are also important so ensure you make good and nutritious choices for these meals too. 

10.  Eating chocolate acts as an aphrodisiac

Researchers have found that although chocolate does contain phenylethylamine (which can create feelings of excitement and happiness) it is not strong enough to have an aphrodisiac effect.

But you can enhance your intimate pleasure with our Fsensual Formula.

 

 

 SOURCES:

 Rakel D, ed. (2018). Acne vulgaris and acne rosacea. In: Integrative Medicine. 4th ed. Elsevier. https://www.clinicalkey.com.(Accessed February 7 2021). 

Bode, A., et al. (2011). Chapter 7: The amazing and mighty ginger. Herbal medicine: Biomolecular and clinical aspects, 2nd edition.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/. (Accessed, 7 November 2021).

Fadus, M.C., et al. (2017). Curcumin: An age-old anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic agent.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411016302528. (Accessed, 7 November 2021).