Health Myths You Probably Believe But Shouldn’t

There are plenty of health rules that we follow on our day to day life. From diet plans, to cooking techniques, physical exercises, daily routine and many other aspects, you probably have established action plans, avoided certain practices to ensure your health stays in check. Did you know that some of your practices and health rules may be a myth?

These practices may have already weaved its way to your daily routine, and because it has been a belief of many, perhaps handed down by elders in your family, then you believe it to be true. Modern studies have tested these practices to prove their effectively and if they are indeed true. Lo and behold, some are proven to be myths. Take a look at these health myths you probably believe but really shouldn’t.

• Microwaving kills the nutrients in food

Microwaves weren’t invented until the late 1940s, but then it boomed into full household use in the 1950s. Therefore, it is fairly understandable how it is in constant conflict with beliefs against traditional cooking. This belief was actually debunked by science.

The difference whether nutrients stay or leaves the food you cook is how long you cook it. Microwaves heat food a lot faster than traditional cooking, which means more nutrients stay than when you cook it on a fire.

• Vitamin C prevents the common cold

You probably heard the belief that taking an extra dose of vitamin C can prevent you from catching the common cold, if you are not already doing it. The truth is, vitamin C does not actually prevent it from happening. It does, however, help prevent the common cold to develop into serious complications.

Vitamin C is mainly a good type of vitamin for skin protection. Also, it protects from immune system deficiencies, eye problems and cardiovascular problems.

• Eating fatty food makes you fat

Just because it is called fat, does not mean it’s what makes you. Contrary to that belief, fat is an essential part of a healthy diet. Fat can help with giving you more energy and it has other benefits for bodily functions.

If you find it difficult to transition fat into your traditional diet, you can start with grass fed protein.

• Gluten-free food are healthier

Food seemed all fine before, and then all of sudden there was gluten. Gluten suddenly became a big household name, something to generally avoid because it is unhealthy. Is gluten really dangerous?

Unless you have Celiac disease or arthritis or joint pains, gluten is something you should not worry about. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that works against gluten because it sees it as a threat. Gluten may cause inflammation that can affect those with arthritis and joint pains. Other than that, you are cleared to have gluten in your food.

• Everyone should take a multivitamin each day.

Sometimes, we forget that vitamins are just supplements that “help” add the necessary daily nutrients the body needs. In reality, our body mainly depend on the nutrients we get from what we eat and drink, instead of the vitamins we take. If you have a complete daily diet plan that is balanced with the nutrients that you body needs daily, then you can let go of the multivitamin intake.

• Swimming after eating will kill you

You’ve heard this more than a dozen times and it has somehow worked its way to your beliefs. You wait one hour after eating before diving into that pool. This myth is debunked. Research did not show any connection between eating and cramps or other injuries gained from swimming right after eating.

• An apple a day keeps the doctor away

The rhyme makes it catchy and easier to believe in but this belief is a myth. Apple alone is not a complete meal to maintain a balanced diet. Although, research shows that people who eat apple frequently have lesser medications, so in a way, there may be some truth in this myth.

The world is full of myths, beliefs and rumors that sometimes may seem like facts. Thanks to our scientists and researchers, these myths are getting debunked one by one so we all can try the things that we have been avoiding for a long time. This list is a start to change your health routine. Which one will you try first?