15/06/2025

ON SUNDAY JUNE 15, 2025 theSunday Special IX (v¨–ưÈÀËȚÃƜ œÃ¿Ë³ÈŒÃ v®ˆ ܌®Èœïƒ myths we tend to believe

I N today’s age of social media and instant information, myths have a sneaky way of becoming part of our everyday beliefs. But what if everything you thought you knew was wrong? It’s time to bust some popular myths and uncover the surprising truths behind them. MYTH: All cheese is high in fat and calories TRUTH: Not all cheeses are high in fat There are many low-fat and lower-calorie options for cheese. Cheeses like cheddar, brie and Gouda are higher in fat, but many other varieties, such as ricotta, mozzarella and feta, are lower in fat and calories. Some cheeses are even made with reduced fat milk. Contrastingly, cheese is rich in protein, calcium and other essential nutrients. Evidence: A study in the Journal of Dairy Science (2012) shows that lighter cheeses, such as cottage cheese and fresh mozzarella, offer significant QXWULWLRQDO EHQH¿WV LQFOXGLQJ SURWHLQ DQG FDOFLXP with fewer calories.

MYTH: Elephants make loud thumping sounds when they walk TRUTH: Elephants walk quietly and silently Elephants’ footsteps are surprisingly silent, even though they are enormous creatures. While elephants are large, their feet are designed with thick, cushioned pads that help absorb the shock of each step, reducing the sound. Elephants’ massive weight creates vibra tions in the ground and they communicate through infrasound, a type of low-frequency sound wave. They can creep through their habitat. Evidence: Studies of elephant locomotion, like one published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2007), show that elephants can walk silently. The thunderous sound people associate with elephants often comes from their vocalisations or the environment.

MYTH: Eating too much pineapple causes the mouth to burn or hurt TRUTH: Eating too much pineapple does not cause mouth burn This phenomenon is a natural occurrence and nothing to worry about. It is a sensation produced by bromelain. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can make your mouth feel sore, but it is not harmful. Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in unprocessed pineapple that can break down proteins. It may irritate the soft tissues in your mouth, such as your tongue and cheeks, but the sensation is not dangerous and usually goes away shortly after you eat. Evidence: Research has shown that bromelain can aid in digestion. However, when it comes into contact with the skin inside your mouth, it may cause a mild tingling sensation. The more you eat, the stronger the sensation. t est o ge these sato .

MYTH: The sea is empty and lifeless at great depths TRUTH: The deep sea is not empty or lifeless The deep ocean is brimming with life unknown to human kind, with many species adapted to extreme conditions. The deep ocean may be dark and pressurised, but it is full of life. Creatures in the aphotic zone (below 200 meters) LQFOXGH ELROXPLQHVFHQW RUJDQLVPV GHHS VHD ¿VK DQG giant squid. These species have adapted to extreme cold, high pressure and complete darkness. Evidence: The 2016 Census of Marine Life discovered over 250 new species in the deep sea, many of which exhibit unique adaptations, such as glowing skin or specialised enzymes, to withstand pressure. G d, ed ch or

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