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Fact or Fiction? 4 old wives' tales that work, and 4 that don't.
There are countless old wives' tales out there from how to get pregnant to how to cure a cold. Some have been passed down for generations, while others are more modern takes on traditional wisdom.
So, which old wives' tales actually work? And which ones are nothing more than myths?
Here's a look at 4 old wives' tales that have been proven and 4 that were debunked.
You should always eat breakfast - TRUE
While this started as a marketing campaign by a cereal manufacturer in the 1940s, the claim is now backed by science.
Eating breakfast has been proven to be good for metabolic health AND mental health. Plus, it’s just nice to start the day with a healthy meal so you don’t feel faint later.
However, the type of food you eat will always play a larger role than the time of day.
Are these well-known wives’ tales fact or fiction? Credit: Shutterstock
An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away - TRUE
The old saying goes ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’ and it turns out there's a reason this old wives tale has been around for so long–there’s truth to it! Apples are packed with healthy antioxidants and nutrients that can help to boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
In fact, one study found that people who ate an apple a day had a 40 per cent lower risk of developing heart disease. In addition, apples are a good source of dietary fibre, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. So next time you reach for a snack, remember that an apple could be just what the doctor ordered.
Chicken Soup is Good for a Cold - TRUE
We’re sure you’ve heard this before and there's a good reason why. Chicken soup is packed with nutrients that can help to boost your immune system and fight off a cold.
Chicken soup contains a number of ingredients that can help to ease the symptoms of a cold. For example, the broth contains fluids and electrolytes that can help to replace what is lost when we are sick and sweating. The steam from the soup can also help to open up your nasal passages and make it easier to breathe.
One study even found that chicken soup may have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce the symptoms of a cold, such as congestion and coughing. So next time you are feeling under the weather, make yourself a pot of chicken soup–it just might help you feel better.
Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever - HALF TRUE
The saying ‘feed a cold, starve a fever’ is somewhat backed by science. When you have a cold, your body needs the energy to fight off the infection. Eating will help to replenish your energy levels and support your immune system. However, when you have a fever, eating solid food is said to add to the body’s workload and make you feel worse.
While avoiding food will help your body to direct all its energy toward fighting the infection, you still need nourishment. The truth here is that fluids are great for anyone suffering from a fever as you can become severely dehydrated. So don’t avoid food next time you encounter a fever, instead, indulge in various soups and broths to fuel your recovery.
You Shouldn't Swim for an Hour After Eating - FALSE
For many of us, swimming is a summertime staple (we wouldn’t dream of stepping into a pool in this weather). Whether we're taking a dip in the pool or enjoying a day at the beach, there's nothing quite like cooling off in the water on a hot day. However, you may have heard that you shouldn't swim for an hour after eating. According to this old wives' tale, swimming immediately after a meal can lead to cramps and even drowning. When you eat, your blood flow starts to shift to your digestive system to help with the process of breaking down food. The good news is that it’s not enough to actually impair your muscles.
While it's not advisable to swim on a full stomach, waiting an hour is unnecessary. As long as you feel comfortable, you can safely swim after eating. Worst case scenario, you may experience a minor cramp. So there you have it, if you fancy a swim after a nice meal, don’t let it stop you!
Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis - FALSE
This old wives' tale has been debunked. There is currently no scientific evidence to support the claim that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.
While one study found that knuckle crackers on average had less grip strength than their non-knuckle cracking counterparts, there was no associated link to arthritis. So, you can go ahead and crack your knuckles without worrying about arthritis.
Shaving Causes Hair to Grow Back Thicker - FALSE
Have you ever been told that shaving your hair will make it grow back thicker? Well, it turns out that this is just a myth. Shaving does not affect the thickness or rate of hair growth. So why do people believe this? One reason may be that when hair is cut, the blunt edges give it a coarser appearance.
In reality, though, shaving simply removes the thin tapered ends of the hair shafts, giving the illusion of thicker growth. So next time somebody tells you that shaving makes hair grow back thicker, you can set them straight.
Eating Late at Night Causes Weight Gain - FALSE
You've probably heard it said that eating late at night causes weight gain. But is there any truth to this claim? The short answer is no. There is no evidence to suggest that eating late at night is any worse for your waistline than eating earlier in the day.
This likely branched off the assumption that people eat higher calorie foods at night, therefore, it is not the time of day but rather the food you eat that matters most. So, if you're trying to lose weight, focus on eating healthy foods and exercising regularly–not on what time of day you eat.
So, there you have it–4 old wives' tales that are facts and 4 that are fiction. What do you think? Do you believe in old wives' tales or have any of your own? Let us know in the comments below.
