In the sea of information available, it’s hard to differentiate between true and false ones. This is particularly true when it comes to health matters. The Internet is flooded with all types of medical help and advice, much of which isn’t confirmed. As a consequence, people start to believe everything they read or hear, and start governing their life according to those unsupported claims. Here are some of the well-known health myths that are ready to be busted.
Caffeine
Many people believe that any amount of caffeine is harmful to health. Although there’s evidence to show that caffeine can cause heart problems and anxiety, some findings suggest that caffeine might not be so bad after all. According to some studies, caffeine can actually slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease in men. Dr. A. Jon Stoessl, professor of neurology and director of the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre at the University of British Columbia, believes in the beneficial effect of caffeine when fighting this disease. The nature of illness is such that it significantly lowers the blood pressure of patients, and that’s where caffeine steps in, according to Stoessl. Other research has shown that caffeine lowers the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, a study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that coffee reduces the chances of depression in women. Evidently, there’s more to caffeine than meets the eye, but being moderate is the key. An allowed daily dose for adults is 400 milligrams, with exception of future moms, who are only allowed to take 300 milligrams, which is around two cups. This is due to links of caffeine with miscarriage.
Second-hand clothes
Second-hand clothes shops are ideal for those who want to save money and take part in protecting the environment. Not only is this a “greener” purchase option, but it will also contribute to your unique style. Contrary to popular opinion, second-hand clothes are of high quality. These items go through rigorous checks before they are ready to be put on display. Many of the pieces found in these stores are barely worn, so you can get practically new clothes at a much lower price than the one in regular shops. This is particularly helpful if you have children. Kids grow fast and they’re in constant need of new clothes. Instead of spending a lot of money on new things, you can find cheap but great clothes for baby and toddlers. What’s more, many people believe that second-hand clothes can be harmful to children’s health. This is actually far from the truth. Babies and young children have sensitive skin, which may be affected by chemicals released during the manufacture of new clothes. Second-hand clothes have already been worn, which means that most of the chemicals have been washed away. This makes them a safer alternative for children.
Alcohol
Excessive drinking certainly causes many health issues, but this doesn’t mean that every drop of alcohol has a negative impact on your health. People who prefer beer are in for a treat – a study conducted in Italy revealed that low consumption of beer can reduce the risk of heart disease by 31 percent. The same goes for wine; drinking low amounts of this beverage reduces the level of cholesterol. Again, it’s important not to go overboard, as these positive effects quickly melt away due to excessive drinking. One glass of wine daily is more than enough.
Chocolate
It’s common knowledge that a piece of dark chocolate is beneficial for your health. According to the studies published in British Medical Journal, daily consumption of chocolate reduces the risk of stroke. The benefits of chocolate lie in cacao and its antioxidant features that help in preventing cardiovascular diseases, according to Susanna Larsson, an associate professor in the division of nutritional epidemiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, who is the author of the study. However, eating too much chocolate can only create havoc in your body, including excessive weight gain.
Slow eating
Being a slow eater is often considered a negative trait, as it takes away additional time. People who advocate this view are wrong, judging by the findings of a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. According to the research, people who eat slower are less likely to become obese than their impatient friends. This happens due to the fact that a body mass index of fast eaters increases proportionally to the speed of eating. Consider this the next time you’re left alone at the table.
Incorrect claims and false data can be found everywhere, and there isn’t a good filter to help us decide which are useful and which aren’t. Trust only reliable sources and don’t deprive yourself of many allegedly harmful things that might actually be good for you.
About author:
Tracey Clayton is a full-time mom of three girls. She loves cooking, baking, sewing, spending quality time with her daughters and she’s passionate for writing. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”