What science says

Eating before bed? Don't fall for these 10 popular health misconceptions!

Image: Alicja Gancarz

Health myths are everywhere! These ideas were simply passed down for so long that they became part of what we believed. But now science has stepped in to clear things up. Does cold weather make you sick? Can lemon detox your body? Is reading in low light really harmful? Let's uncover the truth behind 10 common health myths!

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Have you ever been told that cutting your hair will make it grow faster? We're sorry to say that's just a myth. Hair grows from the root, not the ends. So, trimming it won't boost growth, though it does help remove split ends that can make your hair look dry or unhealthy.

Image: Thom Holmes

This is one of the most common health myths. Cold weather often gets blamed, but it's not the temperature that makes you catch a cold. During winter, we tend to stay indoors with others and keep the windows closed, an environment that makes it easier for viruses to spread. That's why colds tend to be more common in winter!

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The idea that eating before bed automatically leads to weight gain is a myth. In reality, it has more to do with what you eat and how much, rather than the time of day. Often, when we eat very late at night, we're tired and more likely to reach for quick, high-calorie, heavy foods. This can disrupt sleep and lead to consuming more calories than we burn, both of which may affect weight. If it's close to bedtime, it's better to have something light and healthy in a moderate portion than to skip a meal altogether.

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Does wearing glasses weaken your vision? Myth! If an eye doctor prescribes glasses, wearing them as directed helps correct your vision; it won't make it worse. Additionally, the right glasses can help prevent or reduce headaches caused by reading or spending long hours in front of a screen.

Image: Amir Balam

This myth is closely related to the previous one. If you love reading and sometimes have to do it in low light because of the situation, don't worry. According to experts, reading in low light doesn't cause permanent or irreversible eye damage. However, it's not recommended because it can make your eyes feel tired or strained, leading to discomfort or headaches.

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We're all different, and so are our bodies. The idea that everyone should drink exactly eight glasses of water a day is more of a general guideline than a rule. Staying well hydrated throughout the day is extremely important, but how much water you need depends on factors like your weight, age, climate, and overall health. We should prioritize staying consistently hydrated instead of obsessing over the number of glasses we drink.

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Some people say drinking lemon water helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the body. While adding a slice of lemon to your water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, it doesn't have any special "detoxifying" powers. The vitamin C in citrus fruits is beneficial, but the body has its own natural detox system. The liver and kidneys are the main organs that filter waste and eliminate toxins.

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Not all fats are bad! Just like other food groups, your body needs fats to function properly. The important thing is knowing the difference between healthy fats and those that can be harmful. Foods like avocados, seeds, olive oil, fish, and nuts are rich in healthy fats. On the other hand, the fats found in processed or fried foods are the ones that can have a negative impact on your body.

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Liver diseases can be serious. While heavy and frequent consumption of alcohol and fats is a major contributor, it's not the only cause. Liver problems can also result from many other factors. These include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, high blood pressure, and exposure to certain chemicals.

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There's some truth to it: breakfast is important because it replenishes our glucose and energy levels and supports proper metabolism. However, the idea that it's the most important meal of the day might be an exaggeration. Everyone's body has different needs, and all meals are important, so we shouldn't skip any of them!

Engineering masterpieces you’ll want to visit

Man-made wonders: 10 of the world’s most unusual bridges

Image: Andreea Popa

Humans have found ingenious ways to cross large bodies of water since the dawn of time. Bridges are synonymous with communication, and thanks to them, mankind has been able to develop cities, entire societies, and booming economies. From suspension to stone bridges, in this article, we have selected 10 remarkable structures that you may not know about but are worth acknowledging for their high cultural and architectural value. Are you up for the challenge?

Image: Felix Fuchs

In the heart of Singapore, there is a pedestrian bridge called Henderson Waves. This structure, inaugurated in May 2008, was named for its wave-like shape. The total length of the bridge is 899 feet, with 7 semi-curves alternating above and below its deck. It is 26 feet wide and rises 118 feet above the Henderson Road Expressway, making it the highest pedestrian bridge in the country.

Henderson Waves is a very popular walking route among tourists; from its platform, you can get different views of the city and landscapes. It is also part of the Southern Ridges Walk, famous for crossing three parks that offer 6 miles of beautiful gardens.

Image: Jordi Vich Navarro

At almost 8,070 ft long and 1,104 ft high, the Millau Viaduct is a true engineering marvel. This multi-span cable-stayed bridge over the spectacular Tarn Valley in Aveyron, Southern France, is the highest in the world and is considered one of the greatest engineering achievements of modern times.

Its construction in an area with winds that can reach 80 miles per hour required several years of studies and seven 285 ft high masts weighing 700 tons each. Millau Viaduct was finally inaugurated in December 2004, after 36 months of work, and is expected to have a lifespan of more than 120 years.

Image: Jeff Ackley

You probably don't walk across the Golden Gate or Brooklyn Bridge expecting to find a market or a shopping center. But centuries ago, it was common for stores —and even houses— to be built on the second floor of a bridge. The most prominent example that still exists today is located in Italy: Ponte Vecchio ("old bridge" in English).

Rebuilt over the Arno River after a flood in 1345, it is said to be the oldest stone bridge in Europe. It was also the only bridge in Florence that wasn't destroyed by bombs during World War II. Nowadays, you can still visit the workshops and jewelry stores that characterize this medieval arch bridge.

Image: Herney

Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, commonly called Ponte JK, crosses Lake Paranoá and was completed in 2002. This spectacular architectural marvel -with a beauty that matches the monumental scale of the Brazilian capital- was named after the president who decided to move the seat of government from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia.

Ponte JK's steel and concrete structure consists of three asymmetrical arches. The design was inspired by the movement of a stone skipping over water. It has a total length of 3,900 ft and a width of 79 ft, divided into six dual traffic lanes, plus special pedestrian and bicycle paths. Together with the stunning modern buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer, this impressive bridge is an integral staple of the city.

Image: Robs

If Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, The Helix, with a length of 920 ft, is the longest in the South Asian country. Located in the ultra-modern Marina Bay area, it is named after the two steel spirals that structure it, resembling the double helix of DNA.

The Helix, made of fritted glass and perforated steel mesh, was inaugurated in 2010 and has won several awards for its great architectural value. It offers four viewing platforms from where you can contemplate the stunning city skyline. As a curiosity, the bridge is lit at night with LED lights forming the letters C, G, A, and T, representing the four bases of DNA: cytosine and guanine, adenine and thymine.

Image: Tim Trad

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is 230 ft above the Capilano River in British Columbia, Canada. The 450-foot-long suspension bridge welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and is one of Vancouver's main attractions. The original bridge, made of hemp ropes and cedar planks, was built in 1889. However, after several renovations, it was completely rebuilt in 1956.

Capilano Bridge is currently privately owned but can be accessed by paying an entrance fee. In the park, you can enjoy different features such as Treetops Adventures, a group of towering platforms and suspension bridges, and Cliffwalk, a cantilevered walkway clinging to the cliff above the canyon. If you want to enjoy the temperate West Coast rainforest ecosystem from a privileged high view, visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is the way to go.

Image: Simon Van Rompaey

Opened in 2018, Cầu Vàng ("golden bridge" in English) in the Vietnamese coastal city of Da Nang has already become a global phenomenon, an internet sensation, and an eye-catching attraction for visitors from all over the world.

This ingenious structure is 490 ft long and stands 4,500 ft above sea level. Its impressive design evokes the image of the hands of god pulling a golden thread from the mountains. The pedestrian bridge, which sits proudly against the lush greenery, is now one of Vietnam's most recognizable landmarks and a global icon that has elevated Da Nang as a "must-visit" destination.

Image: Sepp Rutz

This multi-span road bridge won many awards after its inauguration in 199, thanks to its elegant design. Sunniberg Bridge spans the Landquart River near the village of Klosters in eastern Switzerland. With a length of 1,726 ft, it curves through the valley with a unique Y-shaped support structure that blends seamlessly with the surrounding alpine landscape.

Sunniberg Bridge has become a landmark in the area and a true icon of Swiss engineering. It's especially beautiful during the winter when the tops of the Alps are snow-capped. So, if you're thinking of a skiing getaway, this is a great option!

Image: Aravind Balabhaskar

Just 25 miles from Dresden, Germany, you can find the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The major landmark of this park is Bastei ("bastion" or "fortification" in English), a majestic rock formation rising 636 ft above the Elbe River, connected by an impressive sandstone bridge built in 1851.

Since then, this 250 ft long bridge has been the main tourist attraction of the area and an inspiration for many artists due to its stunning panoramic views. In fact, Bastien has been the birthplace of the first German landscape photographers.

Image: Jessica Gale

Located in the northwest of Vietnam, Bach Long ("white dragon" in English) is the longest glass bridge in the world. Standing 492 feet high, this construction was inaugurated in 2022. Throughout its 2,073 feet long, it offers a panoramic view of the sublime natural landscape of the rural region of Son La.

Seen from a distance, Bach Long Bridge looks like a long strip of white silk, contrasting with the jungle-like mountains. Constructed of huge 40-millimeter-thick glass panels, the bridge is completely see-through and can support up to 450 people at a time. At sunset, it’s lit by a system of multicolored lamps that lead into a cave filled with natural stalactites and stalagmites. The Bach Long glass bridge has become the pride and joy of the locals and is admired by visitors from all over the world. That said, it’s not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo!