29/06/2025

ON SUNDAY JUNE 29, 2025 theSunday Special VIII

Truth behind the tales I N an era dominated by quick scrolling and viral SRVWV KDOI WUXWKV DQG P\WKV H̆ RUWOHVVO\ VOLS LQWR RXU daily lives. We’ve all heard warnings about cracking knuckles leading to arthritis, carrots granting us exceptional night vision or that humans supposedly only use 10% of their brains. But how many of these widely repeated claims actually hold water? Let’s untangle fact IURP ¿FWLRQ FKDOOHQJLQJ WKH P\WKV 0DOD\VLDQV ORYH WR VKDUH DQG SHUKDSV ¿QDOO\ SXW VRPH ROG IDYRXULWHV WR UHVW

Myth: Drinking milk causes phlegm production Fact: Milk does not increase mucus or phlegm Many believe that drinking milk during a cold will make congestion worse by thickening mucus. It’s a widely circulated myth, repeated by parents, grand parents and even some healthcare providers. However, studies indicate that milk consumption has no impact on mucus thickness or volume. Evidence: Clinical trials published in the American Review of Respiratory Disease confirm that milk intake does not lead to increased phlegm production. The sensation of thicker saliva after drinking milk is due to milk’s texture rather than actual mucus production.

Myth: Shaving hair makes it grow back thicker Fact:S KDYLQJ KDLU GRHV QRW D̆ HFW thickness or growth rate A common misconception is that shaving body hair causes it to grow back thicker or darker. Hair growth is determined by genetics and hormones, not shaving. When shaved hair grows back, it initially feels coarse because it was cut bluntly, making it appear thicker. Evidence: Research published in the British Medi cal Journal FRQ¿UPV WKDW VKDYLQJ GRHV QRW DOWHU KDLU thickness, density or growth rate. Repeated shaving PD\ IHHO GL̆ HUHQW EXW WKH DFWXDO SURSHUWLHV RI WKH hair remain unchanged.

Myth: Carrots improve night vision VLJQL¿FDQWO\ Fact: Carrots won’t dramatically boost your night vision Carrots contain Vitamin A, essential for overall eye KHDOWK +RZHYHU WKH P\WK WKDW WKH\ VLJQL¿FDQWO\ improve night vision was essentially propaganda from World War II, designed to mislead enemy forces about the radar capabilities of British pilots. Evidence: Modern ophthalmological studies show 9LWDPLQ $ GH¿FLHQF\ FDQ KDUP YLVLRQ EXW HDWLQJ extra carrots doesn’t improve normal night vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that a balanced diet is enough for healthy eyes, with no need for extraordinary carrot consumption.

Myth: Humans only use 10% of their brains Fact: Humans use all of their brains, not just 10% This popular myth suggests we only tap into a small frac tion of our brain’s capability, implying hidden potential if the remaining 90% were activated. However, brain imaging studies show all areas of the brain have known functions and are active throughout the day. Evidence: Functional MRI scans consistently show widespread brain activity during even basic tasks, disproving the notion of idle, unused brain regions. 1HXURVFLHQWLVWV Ḋ UP WKDW ZH IXOO\ XWLOLVH RXU EUDLQV DOEHLW DW GL̆ HUHQW OHYHOV GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH DFWLYLW\

Myth: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis Fact: Cracking knuckles does not lead to arthritis It’s a favourite cautionary warning from parents and grandparents: “Don’t crack your knuckles; you’ll get arthritis!” However, research shows that habitual knuckle cracking is not linked to arthritis or joint degeneration. The popping sound is simply bubbles EXUVWLQJ LQ WKH MRLQW¶V V\QRYLDO ÀXLG Evidence: A comprehensive study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine concluded there’s no increased risk of arthritis among habitual knuckle-crackers compared to non-crackers.