We bet your grandmother didn’t let the absence of a medical degree stop her from issuing health directives. But which ones are worth following?
Gran’s wisdom Swimming after eating can lead to cramps and drowning.
Science says Not exactly, but not completely wrong. After eating, blood gets shunted to the digestive tract and away from exercising muscles. That can lead to a build-up of lactic acid in your muscles, so swimming soon after lunch could cause a sudden (though not fatal) cramp.
Gran’s wisdom Honey speeds healing.
Science says Yes. But only for mild to moderate burns. Perhaps because it creates a moist, antibacterial environment that promotes tissue growth.
Gran’s wisdom Butter helps heal burns.
Science says No. There’s no evidence.
Gran’s wisdom Sleeping in air-conditioning can give you a chill.
Science says She may be on to something. Air-conditioners dry out the protective layer of mucus along nasal passages, which make it easier for a virus to infect you.
Gran’s wisdom An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Science says Gran’s overstating the fruit’s potency. Still, the peel is a very good source of antioxidants.
Gran’s wisdom If you go out with wet hair, you’ll catch a cold.
Science says Maybe. Some research indicates (but doesn’t prove) that a wet head helps cold viruses take hold by tightening blood vessels in the nose and making it harder for white blood cells to reach the viruses and fight them off.
Gran’s wisdom Eating chocolate gives you pimples.
Science says Not quite. Chocolate might trigger an acne flare-up, but if so, the culprit is probably the sugar, milk and gooey fillings, not the cocoa.
Gran’s wisdom Ginger is good for upset stomachs.
Science says Yes. There is good evidence that ginger reduces nausea.
Reader's Digest
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