12 Outdated Health Myths You Should Stop Believing Right Now
Some health myths refuse to die, but it’s time to set the record straight and stop believing these outdated misconceptions.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Health-related misinformation spreads fast. Over the years, many myths have been passed. Following to these outdated ideas can result in poor eating, physical activity, and general health. You should stop believing these 12 common health misconceptions right away since science has debunked them.
1. Eating Fat Makes You Fat
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For years, fat was blamed for weight gain, but the real culprit is excess calories, not dietary fat itself. Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil are essential for brain function and heart health.
2. You Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day
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Hydration is important, but there’s no magic number of glasses required daily. Your body’s water needs vary based on factors like activity level, climate, and diet.
3. Carbs Are Bad for You
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Not all carbohydrates are created equal. While refined carbs like white bread and sugary snacks can cause blood sugar spikes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide essential nutrients and energy.
4. Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
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Despite the common warning, research shows no connection between knuckle cracking and arthritis. The popping sound comes from gas bubbles in the joints, not bone damage.
5. Microwaving Food Destroys Nutrients
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Microwave cooking is actually one of the best ways to retain nutrients, as it uses less heat and shorter cooking times. Boiling or overcooking food on the stove tends to deplete vitamins and minerals more than microwaving.
6. Detox Diets Cleanse Your Body
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Your liver and kidneys already detox your body naturally, making juice cleanses and detox teas unnecessary. Many “detox” products are just marketing gimmicks with no scientific backing.
7. You Should Always Stretch Before Exercising
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Static stretching before a workout can actually decrease performance and increase the risk of injury. Instead, dynamic warm-ups like leg swings or light jogging prepare your muscles better.
8. You Can “Sweat Out” a Cold
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Sweating more won’t cure your cold any faster. While resting and staying hydrated can help your immune system fight the virus, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration.
9. A Slow Metabolism Causes Weight Gain
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Metabolism plays a role in weight, but overeating and inactivity are the main culprits behind weight gain. In reality, most people’s metabolism doesn’t vary dramatically unless they have a medical condition like hypothyroidism.
10. Sugar Makes Kids Hyper
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The idea that sugar causes hyperactivity in children has been widely debunked. Studies show that excitement, environment, and expectations influence kids’ behavior more than sugar.
11. You Should Eat Small Meals Throughout the Day to Boost Metabolism
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While frequent small meals can help some people manage hunger, they don’t necessarily speed up metabolism. Your body burns calories at a steady rate regardless of meal timing.
12. Natural Supplements Are Always Safe
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Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Herbal supplements can interact with medications, cause side effects, or be contaminated with harmful substances.