"Don't read with a flashlight." Or: "Don't sit so crooked." Hardly anyone has escaped the caring admonitions of their mother or grandmother - and has perhaps passed them on themselves. Unfortunately, they are wrong. But even the medical profession continues to follow this misconception to this day - even though it has been disproved.
Raw vegetables are particularly healthy
Only in moderation. Some things, such as beans, are even poisonous when raw and only become edible when heated. With other varieties, such as cabbage and carrots, the body can only absorb vitamins A, D, E and K as well as carotene when cooked. It is better to steam vegetables gently and, if in doubt, blanch them briefly for smoothies.
Reading in dim light spoils the eyes
This is not true. Our lenses, which become less elastic with age, or congenital visual defects are to blame for poor eyesight. However, looking in dim light is more strenuous and can lead to headaches.
You shouldn't go swimming after eating
There is no danger in the water after a normal snack. Only those who are extremely full could get cramps while swimming, as the stomach binds a lot of blood for digestion.
We only use ten percent of our brain
Provided there is no damage or illness, every gray cell in our thinking and control center is used every day. What's more, brain cells, like all other cells in the body, are constantly being regenerated throughout our lives.
Mushrooms must not be reheated
In the past, mushrooms & co. often contained poisonous molds, which are no longer found in cultivated mushrooms today. However, as mushrooms are still highly perishable, they should be kept in the fridge and not stored for too long until they are reheated.
You should stretch before exercising
Recent studies show that stretching does not protect against sore muscles or injuries. Sometimes it even leads to pulled muscles. Gentle warming up before sport is much better, doctors and physiotherapists advise.
Cortisone is harmful to the body
It is a vital hormone that, among other things, triggers anti-inflammatory reactions in the body. This effect is also used therapeutically - which can actually trigger side effects such as obesity, high blood pressure or water retention if high doses are taken over a long period of time. However, when administered in a targeted manner, for example as an ointment or injection, and dosed correctly, it is highly beneficial and harmless.
If you have a nosebleed, it helps to tilt your head back
It works the other way round: head forwards so that the blood can drain away and is not swallowed or even enters the windpipe. It is also usually possible to stop the bleeding by pressing the nostrils together.
Lots of sugar makes children hyperactive
All-clear: Various studies worldwide show that sweets do not make children fidgety. But some colorants in sweets can impair children's attention. Pay attention to the warnings on the packaging.
People sleep worse under a full moon
A recent study by the Max Planck Institute involving 1,265 people shows that sleep patterns do not change. This disproves an older Swiss study involving 33 test subjects, which had identified - minor - lunar influences on our slumber.
Nocturnal meals make us fat
It used to be believed that we don't use up any energy while we sleep and that late-night meals go straight to our hips as fat. But that's not true. If we gain weight, it's only because we consume more calories than we expend - regardless of the time of day. However, a late heavy meal can cause us problems falling asleep.
Cracking fingers causes painful arthritis
What exactly causes the noise is still unclear. What is certain today, however, is that the cracking sound is actually healthy because the surrounding muscles are briefly relaxed when the fingers are stretched. Even if it cracks without much stretching, this is harmless and only indicates congenitally loose finger joints. Only if it hurts when cracking should you see a doctor.
Sleep before midnight is the most restful
When we sleep best depends more on our internal clock. There is no point in tossing and turning in bed, whether before or after midnight. The only important thing is to give your body enough sleep on a regular basis - between five and eight hours, depending on your disposition.
Bad breath is caused by stomach problems
There is even an opinion among doctors that this is a sign of Helicobacter bacteria in the stomach. However, 90 percent of bad breath originates in the oral cavity, for example on the tongue or due to periodontitis. In rare cases, the tonsils or a sinus infection are also to blame.
Wounds heal better without a plaster
The injury dries quickly when exposed to air - but wound secretions and bacteria remain trapped under the scab. This delays healing. Better: keep the wound moist with iodine ointment under a plaster and change it often. Only when it is no longer oozing can air be applied.
Sitting up straight is good for your back
In the eyes of orthopaedists, anyone who slouches into a different chair from time to time is doing it right. Sitting upright for long periods is poison for the spine. The rigid, one-sided strain puts pressure on the vertebral joints and tenses the muscles in the back and neck. The body produces inflammatory messenger substances that irritate the pain nerves - and it hurts. So it's better to change your sitting position from time to time, stand up from time to time or do small relaxation exercises!