When it comes to your health, many stories are passed down through generations. I am sure your past relatives would try and solve health issues using strange remedies. From using mouldy bread or dead mouse pate, to sacrificing animals.
But is there any base of truth in some of these folklore and superstitions.
Let;s have a gander!!!
"Feed a cold, starve a fever" - I recall this from my youth.
This actually originated centuries ago from a belief that food would warm the body and help you get rid of any sniffles you had. And eating well when you have a cold is a sensible plan. You need the vitamins and nutrients to help you get better.
However, starving yourself when unwell is not clever. Even though it is quite common to lose your appetite when suffering from colds, flu, or viruses, your body needs energy and nutrients to help fight off infection. Therefore, feed a cold, and feed a fever.
In both cases, staying hydrated, restful, and gaining good nutrition will aid recovery.
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." - another one I recall from my days as a child
Apples are jam packed with dietary fibre, fructose, vitamins B and C, essential minerals - Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, Zinc - as well as antioxidants. If eaten regularly they are proven to lower the risk of premature death from heart disease and stroke. It has also been shown to help lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, as well as levels of LDL (the "bad" cholesterol). A lot of the benefits are actually in the peel, so try and eat it whole.
It is clear that eating apples will not stop you having to use the doctor, but it is a healthy habit.
"Screens will damage your eyesight." - i remember my mum always telling me not to sit too close to the television.
Nowadays, this saying applies to smartphones, tablets and computers, as well as your telly. And it is true, staring too long at any monitor without a break can cause eyestrain.
Squinting and peering close up means that your vision often can become blurry or difficult, and your eyes can feel tired and dry. Eye experts actually suggest frequent screen breaks and turning off your devices before bed.
A good word of warning too - especially those who use phones or tablets. Researchers have found that staring at screens in the dark increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
note from Lazza - I have had 2 detached retinas - which then lead to 2 cataracts - both described as "macular off" - the part of the retina at the back of the eye. No evidence that had anything to do with screens. but could have caused blindness.
"Chocolate can give you spots"
Most people who are blessed with a clear complexion are unlikely to break out after a tasty bar of chocolate. However, if you have acne-prone skin, this can be affected by an unhealthy diet.
Consuming high amounts of fat and sugar can lead to increased amounts of sebum production. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by your body's sebaceous glands. It coats, moisturises, and protects your skin. It's also the main ingredient in what you may think of as your body's natural oils. In normal levels, this is fine. However, too much can block pores, causing spotty lumps and bumps. This can promote inflammatory responses in the body, which can result in increased breakouts.
Therefore, chocolate itself is difficult to blame. But unhealthy eating habits could certainly be affecting your skin.
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