Don't swallow that!
Here's what carrots really do for your eyes! 10 little-known food facts
Published on January 21, 2025
Image: Thought Catalog
There are some common beliefs about food that, despite their popularity, are actually fake. While science has already done its job and debunked them, many of these myths have an explanation! If you want to know the story behind these myths and the truth revealed by nutritionists, don't miss this article!
"Coffee and tea dehydrate you"
Image: Jonas Jacobsson
There's a common misconception about coffee and tea that many people still believe. It has long been said that these delicious infusions cause dehydration. Luckily for all coffee lovers, this is a myth!
It turns out that the caffeine present in coffee and tea is indeed a diuretic, which causes you to go to the bathroom more often. However, you'd need to consume large amounts —far more than most people typically drink— to become dehydrated.
"White potatoes are bad"
Image: Franco Antonio Giovanella
We know that white potatoes are delicious, but why do many people leave them out of their diet? Well, because there has always been a misconception about this vegetable.
We should give the poor potato another chance and let it defend itself! This vegetable is actually a good source of nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, especially if you eat the skin. What caused them to be accused of being "bad" is their higher glycemic index compared to other vegetables, which can lead to a fast rise in blood sugar levels. But if you don't have any health conditions related to sugar in your blood, potatoes can be part of a balanced diet. Just remember to leave the oil out of the recipe!
"Chocolate causes acne"
Image: Jessica Loaiza
Who can say no to a little piece of delicious chocolate? But this tasty treat hasn't escaped the fake news either.
For a long time, it has been accused of causing acne on the skin of those who eat it. However, there's no scientific evidence directly linking chocolate with the skin condition. The skin's reaction to certain ingredients varies from person to person, and acne is more often associated with products high in added sugar or dairy rather than chocolate itself.
"You need to detox regularly"
Image: Rajasekhar R
Although you may feel that your body is in urgent need of a detox after a heavy dinner, you don't really need special juices for that. In recent years, "detox" recipes and diets have gained a lot of traction, especially in social networks. However, the human body naturally "detoxifies" itself through your liver, kidneys, lungs, and digestive system as long as you mantain a healthy and balanced diet.
"Nothing after 7 p.m."
Image: Lukas Blazek
Nothing bad will happen if you eat something after 7 p.m. While it's true that heavy meals close to bedtime can make you feel a little sick or give you a stomach ache, the "nothing after 7" rule is actually a myth.
Fortunately, our stomachs can't tell time; what matters is eating healthy and trying to finish meals at least 2-3 hours before going to bed, regardless of your bedtime.
"Carrots improve your eyesight"
Image: Gabriel Gurrola
During WWII, it was said that British pilots had great eyesight and aim thanks to the large amount of carrots they included in their diet. However, over time, it was revealed that their advantage came more from the use of radar technology rather than from carrots.
Although this vegetable is indeed a good source of vitamin A —which is very beneficial for your eyes— eating carrots alone is not enough to keep your eyes healthy, let alone cure any eye condition.
"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day"
Image: Brooke Lark
Every meal of the day is important, but what you eat matters more than when you eat it.
The idea that breakfast is the most important meal of the day gained fame following cereal advertising campaigns in the early 20th century. However, science shows that it depends on each person's needs, with the quality of your food being more important than the time of day you eat it.
"You must wait 30 minutes before swimming"
Image: Haley Phelps
If you're like us and love summer, here's some good news for you: It has been shown that there is no evidence to point out that swimming after eating is harmful.
The wait to swim after lunch is over! While eating too much might make you feel a bit heavy, the truth is that a break in the pool won't harm your digestion.
"Eating healthy is too expensive"
Image: Anna Pelzer
Many people still believe that eating healthy is expensive, and that's why they don't give it a chance. But that's actually a myth associated with the high prices of some products labeled as "Low fat" or "Light in calories."
While it's true that the least healthy foods are often the quickest and cheapest, there are many healthy options that are also affordable. Whole grains (rice, oats), legumes (beans, lentils), and frozen, canned, or fresh vegetables are great options to start!
"To lose weight, avoid fruits"
Image: Jessica Lewis
Although delicious, sugar often gets a bad reputation, which is why fruits are sometimes viewed with suspicion by those trying to lose weight. However, the truth is that not all sugars are the same.
As products given to us by nature, fruits are rich in sugar, but the natural kind, which your body digests differently than artificial and refined added sugars. Plus, fruits are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants!
