You’ve been lied to!

Medical misconceptions you surely have and don't know!

Image: National Cancer Institute

You’ve surely heard that staying out in the cold will give you a cold, right? But is that true? And what about cracking your knuckles? Is that habit really so harmful? Science may have medicine’s back, but it’s not free from myths and misconceptions. Regardless of where they come from, we all believe some things to be true… but aren’t!

Today, we’re putting six common medical myths to the test. Place your bets before you get to the next section; some might surprise you, others might make you laugh, but all will set the record straight once and for all!

Image: Howard Bouchevereau

Many people worry that using a microwave to heat or cook food zaps away the nutrients, making meals less healthy.

Why? Since microwaves use electromagnetic waves, some believe they might be harmful, similar to radiation exposure. Others think traditional cooking methods like boiling or steaming are better at preserving nutrients.

So, what do you think? Is your microwave secretly robbing your food of its goodness?

Image: Vlad Zaytsev

Good news: your microwave is not ruining your food! In fact, microwaving can help preserve nutrients better than many other cooking methods.

Nutrient loss mainly depends on temperature, cooking time, and how much water is used. Since microwaves cook food quickly and with minimal water, they actually retain more vitamins than boiling or frying.

And as for radiation? Microwaves use safe, non-ionizing radiation, nothing like nuclear energy. You’re safe to go!

Image: Clay Banks

Your parents or grandparents may have warned you never to go to bed with wet hair or you’d wake up with the sniffles. (Why does everything end the same way?) The idea seems reasonable, being cold and damp does feel like a recipe for illness, right? But can a little leftover shower moisture really put you out of commission? What’s your answer?

Image: engin akyurt

This is also a myth! While sleeping with wet hair might be uncomfortable, it won’t actually give you a cold. Colds are caused by viruses, which you can only catch from other people, not from chilly air or damp pillows.

However, wet hair can make your pillow damp, which could create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Needless to say, you might wake up needing more than just a gentle brush. But as for catching a cold? No virus, no problem!

Image: Jacopo Maiarelli

Some people believe that fruit and veggie skins are dirty, hard to digest, or even unhealthy. Are you one of them?

Others think peeling removes pesticides and makes produce safer to eat, and that kind of makes sense. So much so that grocery store produce sections are full of pre-peeled options, reinforcing the idea that skinless is better. But what if you’re actually throwing away some of the best parts?

Image: Sharon Pittaway

Peeling produce removes fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are often most concentrated in the skin. For example, an unpeeled apple contains up to 300% more vitamin K and 140% more vitamin A than a peeled one.

Potato skins are loaded with vitamin C, and citrus peels contain powerful antioxidants. Instead of peeling, make sure you wash your produce thoroughly to remove dirt and pesticides. Your bod—and your taste buds—will thank you!

Image: engin akyurt

For years, people have warned against cracking their knuckles, claiming it could lead to painful arthritis later in life.

The noise it makes reinforces the idea that something is breaking in there, don’t you think? Many parents, and countless teachers, scold knuckle-crackers, fearing they’ll regret it when they’re older. But does this everyday habit really put you on the fast track to arthritis? Place your bets before you keep reading!

Image: Scheich Méshaël Zāhedd

Despite the dramatic popping sound, cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis. So where does that sound come from? It’s actually gas bubbles in the joint fluid bursting, not bones rubbing together.

Multiple studies have found no link between knuckle cracking and joint problems. However, if you experience pain or swelling, that could signal an underlying issue, and you should see a doctor. And of course… stop that pop!

Image: Monique Carrati

If you ever had breakouts as a teenager, chances are someone told you to lay off the chocolate, right? That’s because many people believe that chocolate, especially the sugary or oily kind, triggers pimples and skin problems.

With so many acne products marketed toward diet-conscious consumers, it’s easy to assume that sweets are to blame. But how bad is chocolate, really?

Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya

There’s no solid scientific proof that eating chocolate directly causes acne. Acne is mainly caused by hormones, genetics, and skin bacteria, not specific foods.

That said, diets high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to inflammation, which may worsen breakouts. So if you think chocolate affects your skin, try switching to dark chocolate, which contains less sugar and more antioxidants.

Image: Erik Karits

Have you ever been told to eat some garlic to naturally repel all those mosquitoes eating you alive? Where does this belief come from?

The idea likely stems from the fact that garlic’s sulfur compounds can seep through your pores, supposedly making you less appealing to bugs. It’s a popular home remedy, but does it really work?

Image: Sanjay Dosajh

Unfortunately, there’s no scientific proof that eating garlic repels mosquitoes. We’re heartbroken too, don’t worry!

A 2005 study found no difference in mosquito bites between people who ate garlic and those who didn’t. Instead, mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, sweat, body heat, and certain scents. If you want to keep them away, use repellent, wear long sleeves, and eliminate standing water. Garlic plays no part here!

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!

Image: Element5 Digital

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!

Image: Michelen Studios

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.

Image: engin akyurt

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.

Image: Tirza van Dijk

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!