There aren’t as many things to worry about today as we often think. Removing them from our “blacklist” is indeed a wonderful thing, isn’t it? Recent researchers have unveiled common misconceptions in medicine that have been repeated so often that people believe they are truly accurate.
Below are 5 misconceptions that you can eliminate from your mind starting now:
Misconception 1: Warming up before sports prevents injuries
The truth: There is no evidence supporting the long-held assumption that stretching for about 20 to 30 seconds will enhance muscle performance. On the contrary, we now know that warming up can actually weaken muscles, according to a recent report from the University of Nevada. The report also recommends jogging for about 5 to 10 minutes before engaging in sports.
Misconception 2: Eating eggs raises cholesterol levels
The truth: In the 1960s and 1970s, scientists believed that blood cholesterol increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and eggs were blamed for this. However, many recent studies have found that saturated fat in the diet poses a higher risk for heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. A single egg contains only 1.6 grams of saturated fat, compared to about 3 grams in a glass of 2% milk. With 213 milligrams of cholesterol in its content, eggs are not a concern as the AHA recommends not exceeding 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day. Just be mindful of the cholesterol content in other foods you consume daily.
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Eggs do not pose the cholesterol concerns that people worry about. (Image: ehow) |
Misconception 3: Cancer cannot be prevented
The truth: About 50% or more of cancer deaths in the United States are due to social or environmental conditions along with unhealthy choices, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overall, you can help your body prevent cancer by not smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, following a low-fat diet, and exercising regularly.
Misconception 4: Shaving hair makes it grow back faster, thicker, and darker
The truth: A clinical trial was conducted in 1928 to compare hair growth in shaved areas to non-shaved areas. New hair replacing the old shaved hair does not grow back any darker or thicker, nor does it grow back faster, according to researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine. They were also the same researchers who debunked 7 long-standing medical beliefs in a 2007 report. When hair grows back after shaving, it has a blunt edge. Over time, this edge wears down, making hair appear thicker than it actually is. Hair only seems darker because it hasn’t been exposed to sunlight to change color.
Misconception 5: You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
The truth: A report published in 1945 by the National Research Council states that the recommended water intake for adults is 2.5 liters per day. The last point highlighted in the article is that much of this required water is found in the food we eat, which most people tend to overlook. Current studies suggest that we get enough water from normal dietary activities such as drinking fruit juices, milk, and even caffeinated beverages, according to researchers from Indiana University.
