From starving a fever to cheese giving you nightmares, we answer which old wives’ tales are true
HUBBLE, bubble, toil and trouble . . . it is the time when freaky fables come to the fore.
The National Trust has called on people to resurrect folklore and superstitions passed down through generations, claiming technology and social media are causing them to be forgotten.
But when it comes to health and wellbeing, are strange sayings and old wives’ tales still relevant to our modern lives? Here we consider which are a trick or treat.
Feed a cold, starve a fever
Trick: This originated centuries ago from a belief that food warmed the body to help kick sniffles.
Eating well when a cold kicks in is a sensible plan, but starving yourself when unwell is less wise.
It is common to lose your appetite when suffering from full-blown flu viruses but your body needs nutrients and energy from food to fight off infection. So feed a cold AND a fever if you can.
In both cases rest, staying hydrated, and good nutrition will aid recovery.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Treat: Apples are packed with dietary fibre, vitamins B and C, essential minerals and antioxidants, and if eaten regularly they are proven to lower the risk of a premature death from heart disease and stroke.
Researchers also found the fruit can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and levels of LDL, the “bad” cholesterol. Many nutritional benefits are in the peel, so chomp whole for maximum benefits.
It is unlikely frequent trips to the fruit bowl mean you will never need to visit the GP, but an apple a day is a healthy habit.
Screens will damage your eyesight
Treat: This old wive’s tale originated with televisions but, today, it could easily apply to smartphones, tablets and computers.
Staring for too long at any monitor without a break can cause eyestrain. Squinting and peering close up means vision often becomes blurred or difficult and eyes feel tired and dry.
Eye experts suggest frequent screen breaks and turning off devices before bed. Researchers found staring at screens in the dark increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
Chocolate gives you spots
Treat: While those blessed with a clear complexion are unlikely to break out after a bar of chocolate, acne-prone skin can be affected by an unhealthy diet.
Consuming high amounts of fat and sugar can lead to increased amounts of sebum production — the oil which blocks pores causes spotty lumps and bumps — and promotes inflammatory responses in the body, which could result in increased breakouts.
Directly blaming chocolate for your spots is far too simplistic, but unhealthy eating habits could certainly be affecting your skin.
Carrots help you see in dark
Treat: The orange root veggies are a rich source of beta carotene, a type of vitamin A that helps maintain good vision.
If you are deficient in it, you may suffer from night blindness, so including carrots in your diet really could help you see at night.
If you don’t suffer with any sight issues, carrots — along with a balanced mix of other fruit and veg — will still help to maintain good general eye health.
Crusts make your hair curly
Trick: No spooky diet trick can magically give you your dream hairdo.
Science says that whether your locks are poker straight, wavy or corkscrew curls is purely down to genetics, not crunchy sarnies.
That said, it is still worth eating your crusts.
They are one of the healthiest bits of a loaf — packed with a higher concentration of nutrients plus good bacteria for your gut.
Cheese gives you nightmares
Trick: One study asked 200 people to tuck in to a slice of cheese before going to sleep and report back on their slumber. Around 75 per cent slept soundly with no nightmares.
But that doesn’t mean a late plate of cheesy pasta will not affect your sleep.
Going to bed with a full stomach, whatever you have eaten, means you may likely spend more of the night in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which science has proven is when your most vivid dreams occur.
Eating too close to bedtime may also cause indigestion, bloating, gas and other tummy troubles, contributing to a restless night.
Hot baths damage fertility
Treat: If you are trying to conceive, it is worth listening to fertility folklore claiming men should avoid soaks in the tub.
Relaxing in a steaming bath significantly raises body temperature, which it is proven can affect your fella’s ability to make healthy sperm.
A three-year study by US experts showed sperm mobility improved by up to 20 per cent in blokes who avoided regular hot baths. A short, lukewarm shower is a more fertility- friendly option.
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Cracking knuckles gives you arthritis
Trick: Despite many studies on this myth there is no scientific evidence that popping or clicking joints raises the risk of arthritis.
The loud noise might offend bystanders, but it is actually caused by air bubbles in the liquid that lubricates the joint.
Healthwise this old wive’s tale is just a good scare story.
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