We’ve all heard these health claims at some point—some passed down through generations, others perpetuated by pop culture. But how many of them are actually true? Let’s dive into five common health myths and uncover the real facts behind them.
1. Do Carrots Really Improve Eyesight?
The Myth: Eating carrots will improve your vision, especially in the dark.
The Truth: While carrots do contain beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A—an essential nutrient for maintaining good eye health—they won’t give you superhuman night vision. Vitamin A is important for protecting the surface of the eye and preventing conditions like night blindness, but consuming extra carrots won’t make your vision sharper or allow you to see better in the dark.
Bottom Line: Carrots are good for eye health, but they won’t improve your eyesight beyond its natural capabilities.
2. Are You Only Using 10% of Your Brain?
The Myth: We only use 10% of our brain, and unlocking the other 90% will give us extraordinary abilities.
The Truth: This idea has been popularized by movies and self-help theories, but it’s entirely false. Neuroimaging studies show that we use virtually all parts of our brain over the course of a day, even when we’re resting or sleeping. While certain tasks may activate specific regions more intensely, the entire brain is engaged throughout your life.
Bottom Line: You use 100% of your brain, just in different ways depending on the activity.
3. Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?
The Myth: Shaving causes hair to grow back thicker, darker, and coarser.
The Truth: Shaving does not affect the color, thickness, or growth rate of hair. When you shave, you’re cutting the hair at the surface of the skin, so when it grows back, it appears blunt and stubbier. This gives the illusion that hair is thicker or darker, but in reality, shaving doesn’t change the hair’s texture or density.
Bottom Line: Shaving doesn’t alter your hair—it just appears coarser because the tips are cut bluntly.
4. Does Gum Take Seven Years to Digest?
The Myth: Swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years before it digests.
The Truth: While it’s true that gum isn’t easily broken down by your body, it doesn’t stick around for years. Most of the components of gum are indigestible, but your digestive system handles it like other indigestible substances. Gum passes through your system within a few days, and your body eventually expels it like any other waste.
Bottom Line: Gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for years—it passes through your digestive system like other indigestible materials.
5. Does Going Out in the Cold Cause a Cold?
The Myth: Exposure to cold weather makes you more likely to catch a cold.
The Truth: Colds are caused by viruses, not cold weather. While being out in the cold won’t give you a cold directly, it can weaken your immune system if you’re not dressed warmly enough or are physically exhausted. Cold weather also tends to bring people indoors, where viruses can spread more easily due to close contact.
Bottom Line: You won’t catch a cold just by being out in the cold—viruses are the real culprits, but taking care of your immune system helps.
Final Thoughts
These health myths might sound convincing, but understanding the science behind them helps you make informed decisions about your well-being. Next time someone tells you that shaving makes hair grow thicker or that carrots will fix your vision, you’ll know the truth!