Health Myth 1: Public toilet seats carry infections and diseases
The truth: We all know that we need to wash our hands after leaving the bathroom. But many of us worry that just sitting on a toilet seat is enough to pick up an infection or disease.
While this is technically possible, the chances are very low.
You’re more likely to pick up an infection or disease from somewhere else in the bathroom! Its other surfaces – like the sinks, counters and door handles – can be home to nasty bacteria as well. In fact, the intact skin on your bottom will probably invite fewer germs into your body than your hands, which are more likely to have little cuts and scrapes on them, and which you use to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is the best way to avoid transferring these germs into your body.
Health Myth 2: Microwaving your food is bad for you because it kills nutrients
10 myths debunked - microwaving destroys nutrients
The truth: Microwave ovens heat and cook your food by stimulating its molecules. This energy is converted into heat. While it is true that microwave ovens produce electromagnetic radiation, there are many different types of radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is not associated with harmful types of radiation such as nuclear energy and it does not increase your risk of cancer.
Even so, as a safety precaution, microwave ovens are made with shields and screens to contain the radiation within, where it’s needed. If the door is broken or does not close properly, you should consider getting a new one.
Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that microwaving food reduces nutrient levels. In fact, all forms of cooking reduce the nutrient content to some extent, with the main factors being temperature, cooking time and method of cooking. As microwave cooking times are generally shorter and use lower temperatures than other forms of cooking, this means lesser nutrients are lost from shorter heat exposure, and the minimal amount of liquid needed for microwaving food prevents too much nutrients from leaking out.
To best retain the nutrients of your food, cover up your microwave-safe container or bowl with a minimal amount of water. You’ll be essentially steaming your food from the inside. Just remember not to add too much liquid or overcook the contents, and be cautious of the steam when you open the container.
Health Myth 3: Sleeping with wet hair will cause a cold
The truth: You can’t catch a virus just by going to sleep with wet hair. Being cold or damp isn’t enough – viruses are contagious, so you actually need to come into contact with one to risk picking it up!
However, you may want to reconsider sleeping with wet hair if you are prone to acne, as a wet pillow is more likely to breed bacteria. Switch out your pillowcases regularly if you’re worried about this problem.
Health Myth 4: The ‘5-second rule’
10 myths debunked - 5 seconds rule
The truth: Have you ever seen someone drop a piece of food, pick it straight back up, invoke the ‘5-second rule’, and then eat it? Well, the ‘5 second rule’ is a total myth! It doesn’t take 5 seconds for bacteria to jump onto dropped food – it happens instantaneously. Also, the chance of your floor having no bacteria is slim.
To avoid getting sick, you’re better off erring on the side of caution and throwing any dropped food away, or at the very least, washing it carefully first. It’s essential to take necessary precautions to avoid getting food poisoning.
Health Myth 5: Apply ice if you burn yourself
The truth: Research shows that applying ice cubes to minor scalds can actually do more harm than good. This is because extremely cold temperatures can have a frostbite-type effect that damages the surface of the skin.
You should also avoid greasy home remedies like butter or mayonnaise as they can trap heat, which means the skin continues to burn.
On a burned area, it is best to use running cool water, such as holding the burned area under a running tap for several minutes. Take some pain relief medication, and apply an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the area from germs.
Learn more about treating minor burns here.
Health Myth 6: You should always peel fruits and veggies
10 myths debunked - peeling fruits and vegetables
The truth: The skin on fruit and vegetables like potatoes, apples, carrots and citrus fruits are packed with beneficial nutrients. An apple with skin, for example, contains up to 332% more vitamin K, 142% more vitamin A, 115% more vitamin C and 20% more calcium than a peeled apple. Meanwhile, a boiled potato with skin has up to 175% more vitamin C than a peeled potato.
Another added advantage is that the skins of fruits and veggies are high in fibre and can help you feel fuller for longer, which helps to deter snacking so you can manage your weight more effectively. There is also growing evidence showing that adequate fibre intake may benefit your digestion, improve blood glucose levels and aid in cholesterol control.
Basically, if you peel the skins, you are actually cutting out all these essential nutrients! So skip the undue hassle and enjoy the benefits instead. Just remember to wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly if you plan to eat them.
Health Myth 7: Getting an X-ray will give you cancer
The truth: Medical x-ray uses ionising radiation to produce an image of your body. It provides important information to your doctor to diagnose and manage your medical condition.
The amount of radiation you get from an X-ray is very low, and the chance of developing cancer as a result of getting an X-ray isemphasized text very low too. Radiation-induced cancer is actually caused by high level exposure to industrial nuclear accidents, nuclear weapons or radiotherapy used to treat cancer.
