It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, that carrots improve night vision, and that chocolate creates spots.
But how accurate are old wives’ tales?
When cold and flu season arrives, many people load their plates with food to aid in their recovery.
Dr. Sarah Brewer, a general practitioner and the medical director of Healthspan, told MailOnline, “This old wives’ tale is founded on the misconception that eating will generate heat when you have a cold.”
When a person has a fever, avoiding meals can assist cool the body.
However, Dr. Brewer was quick to point out that neither viewpoint is supported by “solid evidence.”
“Listen to your body,” she instructed. If you feel hungry, eat something nourishing to feed your immune system while it fights infection.
Dr. Kathryn Basford, a general practitioner at Zava, suggested that staying hydrated is more important than overeating when fighting a cold.
She told MailOnline: ‘Water, juice, and hot liquids, such as soups, together with food, will help combat cold infections by hydrating and nourishing the body.’
Regarding the recommendation to “starve a fever,” Dr. Basford emphasizes that this is “not a good idea.”
She explained, ‘It’s normal to lose your appetite when you have a fever, but starving yourself is not a smart idea since it deprives your body of the energy it needs to fight a virus.’
Particularly in the early stages of an infection, the body needs as much vigor as possible to battle a fever, therefore eating is recommended if you feel up to it.
A daily apple keeps the doctor at bay
Many of us remember the rhyme “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” from our childhoods, and it may be true.
Flavonoids, which are abundant in apples, have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of premature death, notably from heart disease.
The common fruit has also been associated with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes and certain malignancies.
To obtain the benefits, it may be preferable to consume whole apples rather than apple juice.
Dr. Brewer stated that apple peel has blood pressure-lowering properties similar to those of ACE inhibitor medications.
ACE inhibitors lower the production of the hormone angiotensin II by slowing the activity of the ACE enzyme.
Angiotensin II constricts veins and arteries, increasing blood pressure.
While there are no certainties, eating an apple every day is a good option, according to Dr. Brewer.
Dr. Basford emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet and not relying on a single fruit or vegetable to maintain good health.
She stated: “Apples alone are unlikely to prevent you from any medical issues.”
To remain healthy, it is vital to maintain a balanced diet by consuming a sufficient number of other food groups, such as protein and carbs.
Carrots improve night vision
It is believed that the old wives’ story that carrots help humans see in the dark originated during World War II.
Britain utilized radar to intercept nighttime bombers. To prevent the Germans from learning this, the Air Ministry issued press releases claiming that its pilots’ vision was enhanced by carrots.
Dr. Brewer stated, “This old wives’ tale does have some basis in actuality.”
Carrots contain the pigment beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A when required.
Vitamin A is required for the production of an eye pigment known as visual purple, which is highly sensitive to light and enables vision in low-light environments.
Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness. If you are lacking in vitamin A, eating carrots may be beneficial.’
Dr. Basford concurs but cautions carrot eaters not to anticipate excellent night vision.
She stated, “Unfortunately, the idea that eating carrots can help you see in total darkness is a myth.”
Maintaining normal, healthy vision by consuming vitamin-A-rich foods, such as carrots, as part of a balanced diet.
Eating before drinking soaks up alcohol
Many people prepare for a long night by eating a hefty dinner to “line their stomachs,” but this old wives’ tale is only half accurate.
Dr. Brewer stated, “Alcohol is readily absorbed through the stomach lining when consumed on an empty stomach.”
This impact is diminished and alcohol absorption is slowed when the stomach is full, as more alcohol is “escorted” to the small intestine.
Dr. Basford stated that foods that are broken down slowly and so have less of an influence on blood sugar may be especially useful.
She advised consuming slow-release meals, such as bananas and yogurt, or foods with a high protein content, such as hummus, beef, and nuts, to combat the negative effects of excessive drinking.
Even though this seems hopeful, studies have shown that blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels are typically achieved in less than 45 minutes, regardless of whether a person has eaten previously.
BAC refers to the alcohol concentration in a person’s bloodstream. A BAC of 0.1% indicates that a person’s blood contains one part of alcohol per 1,000 parts of blood.
The United Kingdom Road Safety Act of 2006 prohibits drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.8 or more from operating a motor vehicle in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The limit in Scotland is set at 0.5.
Studies have also revealed that it takes the same amount of time for a drinker’s BAC to reach zero regardless of whether they ate before their night out.
Chocolate causes spots
Acne is caused by the excessive production of sebum, an oily material, which clogs the skin’s pores.
This is known to be caused by hormones, pregnancy, and some drugs, but the influence of nutrition is less apparent.
Dr. Basford stated, “The effect of chocolate on the skin is hotly contested.” It is unlikely that those with clear skin will develop acne as a result of eating chocolate.
‘However, if you have preexisting problems, it may be prudent to keep an eye on factors that may be causing flare-ups.’
In a four-week study, acne-stricken men ate 25 grams of chocolate containing 99 percent cocoa every day.
The men’s spots, including blackheads and whiteheads, had significantly increased after two weeks.
A similar study found that taking cocoa supplements made the skin of acne sufferers worse in just four days.
The reason why this occurs is unknown. The antioxidant polyphenols, which are abundant in dark chocolate, may be to blame, according to the evidence.
Cocoa polyphenols may stimulate an immune response against acne-causing bacteria, resulting in inflammation.
Chicken soup is a remedy for colds
When suffering from a cold, a steaming bowl of warming soup may be “just what the doctor ordered.” However, the extent of its benefits may vary based on the recipe.
‘Garlic is anti-inflammatory, which can help the immune system fight germs’, Dr. Basford said.
Dr. Brewer agrees chicken soup is ‘comforting’ when you feel under the weather but questions whether it gets rid of a cold quicker.
‘There is nothing magical about chicken soup, but it is nourishing and soothing, offering energy, hydration, and warmth,’ she said.
‘Drinking any hot liquid can help relieve a sore throat, and the heated vapors will assist clear a congested nose.’
