Old Wives' Tales vs. Hard Science: Age-old Health Myths…Busted!
Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Published in Total Fitness Magazine September 2011 Issue
“Jet Hand Dyers are More Sanitary than Paper Towels.”
Busted: According to the results of the extensive experiments done by molecular biologist Keith Redway from the University of Westminster, drying your hands on hand dyers increases the total amount of bacteria on fingers pads by almost 42% and on the palms by 15% due to the dirty air that comes from the machines itself. Jet hand dryers that blow out air at 400mph are capable of shooting germs away by almost 2 meters. Go for paper towels and just spritz your hands with antibacterial spray when you get out.
“Green mucus means bacterial infection. You need Antibiotics.”
Busted: The first part is true. When there’s an infection in the body, germ-fighting white blood cells called neutrophils are released. When they come in contact with the healthy cells, the mucus’s hue changes and this signifies a bacterial infection. The false claim is that you don’t need antibiotics because they only work against fungi, certain parasites, and bacteria.
"Vitamin C Prevents Colds"
Busted: According to results of recent extensive studies done by the researchers of the Australian National University and the University of Helsinki in Finland, daily doses of Vitamin C do not “prevent” colds. The studies, however, found that regular doses can reduce the chance of catching colds by almost 50% in highly fit people who are exposed to high levels of stress like athletes. But for most people, the vitamin can only reduce cold durations by 13.6% in children and 8% in adults. These figures are very small compared to the amount of money you spend on Vitamin C supplements. According to Catherine Collins of the British Dietetic Association, the max daily allowance of Vitamin C is 200mg which you can get from 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables.
“Cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis.”
Busted: According to Dr. Peter Bonafede, the medical director of the Providence Arthritis Center, while a handful of studies made on cracking knuckles show no direct link to arthritis, doing so can still hurt the hands in several ways and end up having stretched ligaments and dislocated fingers.
“Warm milk can help you sleep.”
Busted: Milk contains extremely small amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid that has been proven to be an effective sleeping aid. Maybe that helps the claim a little but no scientific result has been linked to milk being the magic sleeping beverage of choice. In fact, cheese and eggs contain more tryptophan than milk. However, you might need at least 7-8 servings of egg and cheese paninis before you feel drowsy. This is probably one old wive’s tale that won’t go away. After all, if drinking warm milk can relax the mind and body, then sleep can come more easily.
Published in Total Fitness Magazine September 2011 Issue
“Jet Hand Dyers are More Sanitary than Paper Towels.”
Busted: According to the results of the extensive experiments done by molecular biologist Keith Redway from the University of Westminster, drying your hands on hand dyers increases the total amount of bacteria on fingers pads by almost 42% and on the palms by 15% due to the dirty air that comes from the machines itself. Jet hand dryers that blow out air at 400mph are capable of shooting germs away by almost 2 meters. Go for paper towels and just spritz your hands with antibacterial spray when you get out.
“Green mucus means bacterial infection. You need Antibiotics.”
Busted: The first part is true. When there’s an infection in the body, germ-fighting white blood cells called neutrophils are released. When they come in contact with the healthy cells, the mucus’s hue changes and this signifies a bacterial infection. The false claim is that you don’t need antibiotics because they only work against fungi, certain parasites, and bacteria.
"Vitamin C Prevents Colds"
Busted: According to results of recent extensive studies done by the researchers of the Australian National University and the University of Helsinki in Finland, daily doses of Vitamin C do not “prevent” colds. The studies, however, found that regular doses can reduce the chance of catching colds by almost 50% in highly fit people who are exposed to high levels of stress like athletes. But for most people, the vitamin can only reduce cold durations by 13.6% in children and 8% in adults. These figures are very small compared to the amount of money you spend on Vitamin C supplements. According to Catherine Collins of the British Dietetic Association, the max daily allowance of Vitamin C is 200mg which you can get from 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables.
“Cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis.”
Busted: According to Dr. Peter Bonafede, the medical director of the Providence Arthritis Center, while a handful of studies made on cracking knuckles show no direct link to arthritis, doing so can still hurt the hands in several ways and end up having stretched ligaments and dislocated fingers.
“Warm milk can help you sleep.”
Busted: Milk contains extremely small amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid that has been proven to be an effective sleeping aid. Maybe that helps the claim a little but no scientific result has been linked to milk being the magic sleeping beverage of choice. In fact, cheese and eggs contain more tryptophan than milk. However, you might need at least 7-8 servings of egg and cheese paninis before you feel drowsy. This is probably one old wive’s tale that won’t go away. After all, if drinking warm milk can relax the mind and body, then sleep can come more easily.
