6 Health myths to finally bid farewell to in 2017

Bad Science: 6 Health myths to finally bid farewell to in 2017

Sarah Khan

31 Dec 2016

updated the Saturday, December 31, 2016

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Myth #1: You have to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
This is perhaps one of the most perpetuated health myths of all, and one we've been taught since starting school. Research has found that it is not about the number of cups of water you drink. People who drink a glass of water when thirsty are hydrated enough to stay healthy.
Water-rich foods like soups, fruits and vegetables all also work to keep you hydrated. You may need to drink up more however, if you lead a very active lifestyle, live in a warm climate, or find that your urine is a dark yellow shade.
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Myth #2: MSG is bad for your health
This flavour enhancer, a popular staple in Asian food, has raised a lot of controversy for its numerous health detriments. It's been said to cause headaches, obesity and numerous other ailments.
However, there is no actual scientific grounding to back these claims. Avoid it by all means if it bothers you, but small amounts of it should not have any impact on most people, so fret not.
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Myth #3: Eggs are bad for your heart
Those who love a good scrambled egg - rejoice. Eating an egg or two daily does not increase the risk of heart disease for healthy people. While the yolks contain cholesterol, the amount present is not nearly as bad for your heart as the cumulative fat from everything else you eat. Not only that, eggs actually contain omega-3, which has been found to lower the risk of heart disease.
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Myth #4: Antibiotics cure colds
It is common practice: when you visit the doctor due to a cold or flu, you'll most likely be prescribed antibiotics. However, antibiotics actually do nothing to cure the cold. Instead, they are meant to treat bacterial infections. Since colds and the flu are caused by viruses, taking antibiotics as a cure is futile.
Furthermore, the more we consume antibiotics (especially when not needed), the more we increase the chances of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as 'superbugs' in our system. Other effects of consuming antibiotics unnecessarily include wiping out the good bacteria in our gut that keeps us healthy.
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Myth #5: Antiperspirants cause cancer
You might've heard this one before: that antiperspirants cause cancer. Some scientists believe that the chemicals present in deodorants and antiperspirants can be absorbed through your underarm, leading to the breast tissue and increasing the likelihood of tumours. However, the National Cancer Institute of America has debunked this theory, stating that there is no evidence connecting either product to breast cancer.
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Myth #6: Eating carbs makes you fat
It does seem that carbs have been somewhat demonised as the cause of weight gain. How often do you hear people going on a carb fast and skipping out on pasta or bread during their meals?
The truth is, carbs are not to blame for weight gain. Instead, it all comes down to striking a healthy balance. Rather than eliminating carbs entirely, look for ones that offer greater nutritional value and less processing like your whole wheat options.

Myth #1: You have to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day

Is MSG truly bad for you? It’s time to finally put 6 popular health myths to bed!

It is no secret that there is a lot of misinformation on the internet. In this digital age, much of this information goes unchecked and gets widely circulated, therefore only further perpetuating it. The internet is particularly rife with a sizable number of health myths that have over time been somewhat widely accepted as true. For one, you might’ve heard that MSG is bad for your health or that consuming carbohydrates will make you fat. Neither of these are true, incidentally, so eat away if you will!

The new year is not only an opportunity for fresh starts and resolutions, but also the time to finally put these health myths to bed. If you’re curious as to whether some of your alleged health facts are actually true, head on up to our gallery above and see what needs to be debunked!

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

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