Bruno Pugh
For centuries, folklore and misconceptions have been passed down through generations, often masquerading as truth. Even in the age of knowledge, some myths persist, holding a surprising sway over the public imagination. Let’s debunk 15 of these prevalent myths that have tricked the naive for far too long.
Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
This common fear is unfounded. The popping sound is caused by gas bubbles collapsing in the synovial fluid of your knuckles. While it might be annoying, there’s no evidence it leads to arthritis.
Brown Eggs Are Healthier Than White Eggs
The color of an eggshell has no bearing on its nutritional value. The breed of the hen determines egg color and has no impact on factors like taste or health benefits.
Bats Are Blind
While some bat species have limited vision, most bats see well enough to navigate and even hunt at night. Their exceptional eyesight is often supplemented by echolocation, a highly developed sense that allows them to perceive their surroundings using sound waves.
Ostriches Bury Their Heads in the Sand
This flightless bird has become synonymous with burying its head to avoid danger. However, ostriches lie flat on the ground with their necks outstretched, making them appear partially hidden, leading to this enduring myth.
Microwaves Heat Food from the Inside Out
Microwaves warm food through a process called dielectric heating. Food molecules vibrate rapidly when exposed to microwave radiation, causing friction and generating heat throughout the item.
Chewing Gum Lingers in Your Stomach for Seven Years
This childhood scare tactic is simply untrue. Swallowing chewing gum might take longer to pass through your digestive system, but it doesn’t linger for years. Your body treats it like any other indigestible substance and eventually eliminates it.
Lightning Never Strikes Twice in the Same Place
This saying might sound poetic, but it’s demonstrably false. Tall items are more likely to be struck by lightning, and some structures can be hit repeatedly. The Empire State Building, for instance, is struck an average of 23 times a year.
Cold Weather Makes You Sick
The common cold is caused by viruses, not exposure to cold temperatures. However, cold weather can indirectly contribute to the spread of colds. People tend to spend more time indoors in close quarters during winter, facilitating the transmission of viruses.
Eyelid Fluttering Means You’ll Win the Lottery
While an eyelid twitch might be annoying, it has no bearing on your lottery luck. It’s usually caused by stress, fatigue, or too much caffeine. So, ditch the daydreams of sudden wealth and focus on getting a good night’s sleep.
Waking a Sleepwalker Will Harm Them
The fear that waking a sleepwalker will shock or harm them is unfounded. In reality, gently guiding them back to bed is safer than allowing them to wander while asleep.
Bread Makes You Fat
Like any food, bread can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively. However, it’s not inherently fattening. The type of bread and what you pair it with make a more significant difference. Opt for whole-wheat bread and avoid processed fillings like sugary spreads.
Your Hair Can Turn Gray Overnight from Stress
While stress can undeniably affect your health, it won’t turn your hair gray overnight. Hair color is determined by melanin production, and stress can influence this process, but the change happens gradually over time.
Owls Can Turn Their Heads All the Way Around
This spooky image might be good for horror movies, but it’s not entirely true. Owls have exceptional neck flexibility, allowing them to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees. While impressive, it’s not a full 360 degrees.
MSG Causes Health Issues
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been associated with headaches and other health problems for decades. However, extensive scientific research has consistently shown that MSG is safe for consumption in the amounts typically used in food.
Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
This myth relegates goldfish to forgetful oblivion, constantly reliving the same three seconds. In reality, goldfish have demonstrated complex learning abilities and can remember things for months.
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