Myth busters
YOU CAN CATCH A COLD BY GOING OUT ON A COLD DAY
It almost seems like common sense, but that is not the case apparently! People get colds because of viral infections and there are no reasons to think that germs are more abundant in lower temperatures. As a matter of fact, most viruses penetrate the body's defense mechanism more frequently and easily in warm and humid climates. In truth, research has shown that people staying at very cold temperatures actually tend to develop stronger immune responses.
CHILDREN NEED BOWEL MOVEMENTS EVERYDAY
Parents often assume that routine, daily defecation is related to the health of the gut. The amount and rate of waste production really depends from person to person and may depend on lot of factors. But that does not mean there is no way to judge whether your bowel movement is healthy. Do not forget that staying hydrated and having a fibre-full diet is going to take good care of your bowel by preventing constipation, if you are thinking long term.
EATING AN EGG DAILY WILL GIVE YOU A HEART DISEASE
Eggs contain cholesterol and no, cholesterol is not absolutely life threatening as we like to think. Cholesterol is a fatty substance needed and manufactured by our bodies in small amounts and the rest has to be acquired from food. Each egg yolk contains cholesterol in amounts lower than an adult's daily requirement. Thus, an egg daily does in no way increase the chances of heart disease in the future. However, it should also be noted that people with existing heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels cannot consume an egg daily and have different requirements and limitations.
EATING SUGARY FOODS MAKES CHILDREN HYPER
This is a century old myth, which says that sugary foods make children lose their focus and become hyperactive. There is no scientific evidence for this claim. Sugar intake does bring slight changes in the hormones of a child but the decrease of one hormone (dopamine) is compensated by the increase of another hormone (serotonin) and thus effects of less dopamine such as, lack of concentration, does not result. There are possible adverse effects of sugar but there are no scientific links between sugar and hyperactivity.
By Nawshin Tabassum Binte Alim
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