Eating carbs makes you fat
This has some truth behind it. Eating too much of anything can lead to weight gain. However, carbohydrates are the main source of energy our bodies need to ensure we don’t break down our muscle! Because, when our bodies lack carbs, protein is a supplement for energy.
Note: Some people are allergic to carbohydrates, so this is not a hard and fast rule for everyone.
Cracking your joints with cause arthritis
This old wives tale is still commonly believed but in truth, is not harmful. The cracking or popping is a result from negative pressure drawing nitrogen gas temporarily into the joint.
If there is pain when you crack your joints, this may be a sign of a physical abnormality.
Skipping meals is a great way to lose weight
Less calories means increased weight loss, right? Not necessarily. Our bodies require a certain amount of calories to function (different for each person depending on height, weight and physical needs).
When you reduce your calories below the your bodies daily consumption requirements, your blood-sugar levels drop, leaving you feeling tired, and can also lead to illness. You will often become irritable due to the changes in your brain and you are potentially depleting your metabolism and energy.
If you are considering skipping a meal, eat a light meal full of nutrient rich foods.
If you swallow gum, it stays in your body for 7 years
In history there have been cases of children who have swallowed a lot of gum and have had to have it surgically removed. This is a very rare.
Although some ingredients in chewing gum are hard for the body to dissolve, our digestive system eventually disposes it from our bodies. This only takes a day or two, certainly not seven years.
Fat-free or low-fat foods are better than full-fat foods
The problem with fat-free, low-fat or reduced-fat foods can often be the absence of flavour. To cover up this lack of flavour, often companies will add other ingredients, such as sugar, salt and artificial flavours. With these types of food, you may be consuming more calories and artificial ingredients than if you opted for the full-fat product.
It is important to read the label on the foods you buy to ensure you know exactly what food you are eating.
[Relevant: 5 Health Hacks To Avoid Winter Sniffles]
