Famous Medical Myths Proved False

Disorders Cure

oi-Staff

By Staff

Friday, December 19, 2008, 14:57

If you thought eating at night could make you fat, you could be absolutely wrong. Six leading myths have been proved wrong by Researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Some of the leading myths are Does sugar make kids hyperactive? Do we lose most of our body heat through our head?Do suicides increase over the holidays? Are poinsettias toxic? Hangovers cures, do they work?

Sound ridiculous? But these are some of the most widely believed 'facts' that have now been ruled out. The British Medical Journal reported that the authors, Rachel Vreeman and Aaron Carroll, explored the science behind six myths commonly associated with the holidays yet relevant year-round.

It was proved that sweet drinks and chocolates have no affect on the children's hyperactivity. The Parents believe that when their children have been given a drink containing sugar (when it is actually sugar-free) they rate their children"s behaviour as more hyperactive. In fact, the difference in behaviour is all in the parents" mind.

Most of the people believed that wearing hats in winters will prevent heat loss, which actually is not true and is widely believed. The authors have argued that there is nothing special about the head and heat loss and "if this were true, humans would be just as cold if they went without trousers as if they went without a hat".

The belief that eating at nights made you fat is all hogwash, One Swedish study seemingly supported this theory initially as obese women reported eating more at night than non-obese women. However, in reality the women were not just "night eaters" but were generally eating more meals. The simple truth is that people put on weight because they consume more calories than they burn—there is no getting round this, say the authors.

The study also revealed that holidays do not increase the suicide risk, however holiday might be a difficult time for some. According to Dr. Vreeman and Dr. Carroll, there is no scientific evidence to suggest a holiday peak in suicides.

The other myths proved wrong are that poinsettias are not toxic and that hangover cures do not work. AGENCIES

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.