We all want to be healthy and happy, but there are many misconceptions about health that could be keeping us from achieving our goals. These 20 common health myths are ruining your well-being.
It’s important to understand what’s true and what’s not when it comes to taking care of yourself, so get ready to learn the truth behind some of the most popular beliefs about health. With this knowledge in hand, you can make informed decisions on how best to improve your lifestyle and overall well-being.
The Best Indicator of Intensity Level is the Heartrate Monitor
One of the most popular health myths is that the best indicator of intensity level is a heart rate monitor. While it can be a useful tool to measure your heart rate, it’s not always the most reliable or accurate measure of intensity.
It doesn’t account for other factors such as age, gender, and fitness level. Instead, you should focus on how your body feels during exercise and trust your judgment when gauging intensity levels.
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Egg Yolks Are Bad for You
In fact, the majority of an egg’s nutrients are found in its yolk. The yolk contains iron, folate, vitamins A and D, and choline, which are all essential for healthy bodily functions.
Additionally, the fats found in egg yolks help slow digestion, which can keep you fuller for longer. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, eating egg yolks can have many benefits and should not be avoided in order to stay healthy.
Cholesterol is Bad
One of the most common health myths is that cholesterol is bad for your health when in fact, it’s not. Cholesterol is actually a waxy substance found naturally in the body that helps make cell membranes and some hormones.
We need cholesterol to function properly, but having too much of it can lead to a number of health problems. Too much LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol can increase your heart disease and stroke risk, while HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol helps protect against those risks. Eating healthy fats like nuts, avocados, and olive oil can help keep your cholesterol levels balanced.
“Starving Yourself” Can Be Effective for Weight Loss
One of the most common health myths is that starving yourself can effectively lose weight. This is simply not true, as depriving your body of essential nutrients can actually do more harm than good. Not only will you feel weak and lethargic due to a lack of energy, but you may also experience serious side effects such as muscle loss and hormone imbalances.
Instead of cutting calories drastically, focus on eating nutritious foods that will provide your body with the fuel it needs to function optimally. Long-term, sustainable weight loss requires a balanced diet and regular exercise in order to keep your body healthy and fit.
Coffee Can Stunt Childhood Development
According to nutrition expert Kristen Scheney from CCS Medical, despite multiple studies, no definite evidence has been found to indicate a connection between drinking coffee and stunted growth.
The misconception arises from the belief that caffeine in coffee can lead to osteoporosis, which weakens bones due to a lack of vitamin D.
Carrots Give You Night Vision
This is simply not true, as carrots only contain beta-carotene, which can help improve overall vision.
Eating carrots may benefit your eyesight in the long run, but no scientific evidence supports the claim that it gives you night vision. Carrots are good for your health, but don’t expect any special powers from them!
Cracking Knuckles Leads to Arthritis
This myth is false; no scientific evidence has proven that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis. Cracking your knuckles may lead to minor swelling or joint discomfort, but it does not cause long-term damage or an increased risk of arthritis.
Addiction is a Choice
Numerous stories and television movies depict addicts reaching their lowest point and transforming their lives through sheer determination or the right motivation. However, these narratives oversimplify a highly intricate process and view addiction as a voluntary decision.
They assume that individuals who became dependent on substances like painkillers or alcohol chose to start using them, and therefore they should be able to choose to quit as well. However, this line of reasoning is flawed.
Addiction Affects Everyone in the Same Way
Addiction is a complex illness that affects everyone differently. While there are common patterns and behaviors associated with addiction, the way it affects each individual is unique.
Factors like genetics, environment, and mental health can all influence how someone experiences addiction. It’s important to understand that no two addictions are exactly alike, and not everyone will respond to treatment in the same way.
Bottled Water is Better for You Than Tap
This myth has been perpetuated by big bottle companies that want to make money off of people’s fear and misunderstanding of tap water.
In reality, however, drinking tap water is just as safe and healthy as drinking bottled water. Tap water typically contains fewer contaminants than bottled water, and most importantly, it is free!
Energy Drinks Contain Special Alertness-Boosting Ingredients
Energy drinks are often marketed as providing an extra boost of alertness and focus when consumed. However, it is important to note that most energy drinks do not contain any special ingredients that can improve alertness or focus.
In fact, the main components in these beverages are caffeine and sugar, both of which may give a temporary boost in energy but can also cause health problems if consumed in excess.
A “Detox” is the Best Way to Jumpstart a Change in Diet
Many people believe that going on a “detox” is the best way to jumpstart a change in diet. Detoxes are meant to help rid the body of toxins and cleanse it from within, however, most of these claims are not backed by scientific evidence.
In reality, the body is capable of naturally removing toxins through healthy digestion and proper hydration. As such, depending solely on detox diets may be ineffective or even dangerous to an individual’s health.
Eating Before Bed Makes You Overweight
This is simply not true; it’s the overall calorie intake that matters, and eating late at night can be fine if you’re mindful of what you eat.
Eating late at night does not directly cause weight gain, but rather, it can become an issue when large portions of unhealthy foods are consumed. Eating a balanced meal before bedtime can be beneficial for your body and mind, as long as it’s done in moderation.
Crunches Give You a Six Pack
Crunches are a popular exercise that many of us do to get the elusive six-pack, but they’re actually not as effective as we think.
Crunches alone won’t give you a toned stomach since they only target your abdominal muscles. To get the desired results, you’ll have to combine crunches with cardio and strength training exercises, as well as eating healthy and following a balanced diet.
Tryptophan in Turkey Makes You Sleepy
This is a popular misconception that has been around for many years, and it is simply not true. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey and other foods, is often associated with sleepiness due to its ability to increase serotonin production in the brain.
While it can make you feel more relaxed, tryptophan alone does not cause drowsiness or sleepiness. Eating large amounts of any food will make you feel full and possibly tired, but eating turkey specifically will not cause drowsiness.
Chocolate Causes Acne
One of the most common health myths is that consuming chocolate causes acne. This myth has been around for a long time, but it is actually false! Eating too much of anything can cause your skin to break out, but chocolate itself does not cause acne.
In fact, studies have shown that dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which can actually help protect the skin against damage from free radicals and pollutants. Therefore, it is safe to enjoy a small piece of delicious chocolate every now and then without worrying about it causing breakouts.
Chocolate is an Aphrodisiac
The notion that chocolate is an aphrodisiac is one of the most common health myths. Despite its reputation as a romantic treat and its ability to make us feel good, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that eating chocolate increases sexual desire or arousal.
In fact, while chocolate can provide some health benefits, such as antioxidants and essential minerals, overconsumption can lead to weight gain and other issues, so it should be consumed in moderation.
The Flu Shot Gives You the Flu
The flu shot does not contain any live viruses, so it can’t give you the flu. In fact, getting a flu shot every year is one of the best ways to protect yourself from getting sick with the flu virus.
It’s important to remember that even if you do get a mild fever after receiving a flu shot, this isn’t an indication that you’ve contracted the virus; it’s just your body’s natural reaction to receiving the vaccine.
Cold, Wet Weather Can Cause a Cold
One of the most common health myths out there is that cold, wet weather can cause a cold. However, this is simply not true. The cold virus is spread by contact with an infected person or surface, not by the temperature or humidity of the environment.
In fact, it’s more likely that people spend more time indoors with others during the colder months, which increases their risk of catching a virus from someone who already has it.
You Should Remove Sugar Entirely From Your Diet
According to Becky Kerkenbush, a clinical dietitian at Watertown Regional Medical Center in Wisconsin, many of her patients claim to avoid sugar because they believe it is harmful.
However, she points out that these individuals are often unaware of the distinction between various types of sugar. Kerkenbush explains that natural sugars can be found in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and grains.
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