14 Old Wives’ Tales That Turned Out to Be Surprisingly True
These age-old sayings sound like superstition, but science has proven many of them right.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
For generations, old wives’ tales have been passed down with a mix of humor, caution, and curiosity. While many are pure folklore, some actually hold water under modern science. Here are 14 traditional sayings and beliefs that turned out to have surprising truth behind them.
1. “Chicken Soup Helps a Cold”
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It’s not just comfort food — chicken soup really does have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show it helps reduce congestion and eases cold symptoms.
2. “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”
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Apples are loaded with fiber and antioxidants that support heart and gut health. They’ve been linked to reduced risks of stroke, diabetes, and even certain cancers.
3. “Warm Milk Helps You Sleep”
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Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in producing melatonin. Combined with the warmth, it can signal your body that it’s bedtime.
4. “Cracking Your Knuckles Will Give You Arthritis”
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This one’s actually false — but stay with us. Though cracking doesn’t cause arthritis, studies show habitual cracking may reduce grip strength over time.
5. “You Lose Most Heat Through Your Head”
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Recent research shows heat loss occurs evenly across the body. However, since the head is often uncovered, it feels like heat escapes faster there.
6. “A Full Moon Affects Behavior”
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Multiple studies suggest that the full moon may impact sleep quality and even lead to increased emergency room visits. Some research points to slightly increased aggression and sleep disturbances.
7. “Eating Carrots Improves Your Vision”
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Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, a crucial component in maintaining eye health. While they won’t give you night vision, a deficiency can lead to vision problems.
8. “Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever”
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This old line has mixed truth. When you have a cold, eating nourishes your body’s fight against infection. During a fever, reduced appetite is natural, but staying hydrated is key.
9. “Honey Soothes a Sore Throat”
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Honey has antimicrobial properties and coats the throat to reduce irritation. Studies show it’s even more effective than some over-the-counter cough syrups.
10. “Spicy Food Can Help Clear Sinuses”
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Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers heat, can thin mucus and improve airflow. It also triggers endorphins, offering brief relief from sinus pressure.
11. “Don’t Go Outside with Wet Hair—You’ll Catch a Cold”
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Cold weather alone doesn’t cause illness, but it may weaken your immune defenses temporarily. Viruses thrive in low humidity, which is common in winter.
12. “Pregnancy Means Heartburn = Hairy Baby”
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This one sounds ridiculous, but a Johns Hopkins study found a link between pregnancy heartburn and babies with full heads of hair. High estrogen levels can trigger both increased hair growth and acid reflux.
13. “Oatmeal Helps Itchy Skin”
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Colloidal oatmeal is proven to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. It locks in moisture and calms conditions like eczema and rashes.
14. “You Can Predict Weather by Joint Pain”
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Many arthritis sufferers say they feel changes in the weather, and science supports it. Barometric pressure drops can cause slight swelling in joints, which increases discomfort.