The truth behind these common old wives’ tales
We grew up hearing many tales portrayed as facts, which we took to be real, that might just be true. From what really happens if you swallow gum, to what cracking your knuckles actually does to you, we will debunk and explore the history of common tales you may have been told by your grandma, along with any scientific basis they may have.
1. Chewing gum stays in your stomach for seven years if you swallow it!
Everyone has heard the tale that if you swallow a piece of chewing gum, it will be stuck in your stomach for seven years—presumably because of how sticky chewing gum is. While the origin of this myth is unknown, it is true that gum moves through your digestive system just as quickly as any other food. While not designed to be swallowed and impossible for your body to digest, gum moves harmlessly through your digestive system and will come out in stool (after an appropriate amount of time has passed).
2. You need to eat carrots to have good vision!
This myth was originally popularised by World War II propaganda rumours that carrots gave fighter pilots sharp and precise vision. When, in fact, newly invented radar systems were responsible for their precision, not the orange vegetable. The benefits to vision from eating carrots will not be seen unless someone is deficient in vitamin A, which carrots happen to be loaded with. Be careful with this myth; eating too many carrots will turn your face orange due to the large amounts of beta-carotene present in the vegetable!
3. Cracking your knuckles will cause you to get arthritis!
While it makes a satisfying noise to some, there is actually some backing to this tale. Though studies find no correlation between cracking your knuckles and arthritis, some studies have found a correlation between knuckle cracking and joint dislocation and/or ligament damage. Knuckle crackers may even have reduced grip after years of this habit! But, no arthritis.
4. If you shave your hair, it’ll grow back thicker!
This tale is tempting to believe, with first-hand anecdotal knowledge. Many of us have experienced that when you shave your legs, it looks darker when it grows back. But really, shaving hair does not make it grow back thicker or darker. Instead, by shaving, a hair is given a blunt tip from the razor, which results in the appearance of darker and thicker hair due to the coarse and stubbly nature of the tip.
5. Don’t go out with wet hair, you’ll catch a cold!
You can only get sick from viruses and bacteria; wet hair will not make a difference in the presence of those! In fact, the most effective ways to prevent getting sick are washing your hands and avoiding people who are sick—not avoiding going out with wet hair.