Don't swallow that!

Here's what carrots really do for your eyes! 10 little-known food facts

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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!

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.

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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!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

What science says

It was false after all: 10 health myths that sound true—but aren't

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.

Image: Bud Helisson

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.

Image: Aneta Voborilova

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.

Image: Brooke Lark

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!