Old Wives Tales #1 - True Or False?

#1

Cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis

False - There is no evidence that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis.

#2

Chicken soup makes you better

True - Scientists have found that chicken soup reduces inflammation by slowing down white blood cell activity responsible for inflammation.

#3

The Sharper the Blast, the Sooner 'Tis Past

True - When a storm builds rapidly, it is stronger and faster then when it builds gradually.

#4

Food with mayonnaise spoils faster

False - On the contrary, it prevents spoilage because of its acidity levels.

#5

The full moon causes strange behavior

True - For some people - several studies have proven that there are more emergencies on nights with a full moon.

#6

Chewing gum stays in your stomach for seven years

False - Our digestive system gets rid of it pretty fast.

#7

Cutting nails at night summons ghosts

False - Nonsense!

#8

Eat vegetables while pregnant and the baby will love them later

True - What the mother eats is likely to influence the baby's inclinations in the future.

#9

Fish is brain food

True - A study in 1914 linked a weekly consumption of baked and broiled fish with "larger gray matter in the brain contributing to better memory".

#10

Heartburn while pregnant means the baby will have lots of hair!

True - There is evidence proving it is true: 82% of women with severe heartburn had babies with lots of hair!

#11

If you cross your eyes they may get stuck

False - Nonsense!

#12

A glass of warm milk makes you sleepy

True - Milk contains an amino acid that when released produces serenity-boosting feelings.

#13

Hydrogen Peroxide treats colds

True - In 1928 German doctor Richard Simmons, M.D. hypothesized that cold and flu viruses commonly enter through the ear canal and hydrogen peroxide could kill the virus. A few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide in each ear; wait until the bubble noises subside (5 to 10 minutes), drain onto tissue and repeat with the other ear. (Mercola.com)

#14

Sitting on a cold wall gives you piles

False - A chilly bottom does not cause piles!

#15

Eating bread crusts makes your hair curl

False - But eating crusts is good for you! The crusts are generally the most nutritious part!

#16

Drink at least eight glasses of water a day

False - Hydrating the body can be achieved with most liquids; tea, coffee, juices.

#17

After eating, wait one hour before swimming

False - There are no documented cases of drowning from swimming after a meal.

#18

Eating lots of carrots turns the skin orange

True - Excess of beta-carotene stored under the skin, can cause skin discoloration.

#19

Red sky at night, shepherd's delight

True - It means the sun has a high concentration of dust, indicating stable weather.

#20

Counting sheep helps you fall asleep

True - Visualisation and mental imagery can indeed assist you to nod off.

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