Old wives' tales - fact or fiction?
Can an apple a day really keep the doctor away? We've taken 10 of the most popular old wives' tales regarding our health and looked to see if there's any truth in the saying. And we've also got the lovely Dr Chris Steele to give us his verdict
1. Eat chicken soup to beat a cold
In 2000, an American chest-doctor published research that found chicken soup really does contain health-giving properties. He said it stimulates immune cells that then help reduce swelling in the throat and stop your nose running. And good news for vegetarians - the vegetables used in the soup, such as onions, turnips and carrots also had some of the same qualities.
Dr Chris' verdict: I travelled round the country investigating old wives' tales and this was the one I was most impressed by. The way Jewish mothers especially cook this really does provide health-boosting properties.
2. Carrots help you see in the dark
This tall story comes from WW2, when the British military pretended RAF pilots were eating carrots to help them see, rather than reveal to the Germans they had developed a radar to pinpoint enemy planes.
However, researchers in Holland have discovered that eating a lot of beta-carotene, which is what gives carrots their colour, can help stop your eyesight getting worse, as you get older by up to 35%. Other sources of beta-carotene are sweet potatoes, pumpkins and spinach.
Dr Chris' verdict: Yes, beta-carotene does actually help your vision and stops it getting worse as you get older. There's no real basis for it helping you see in the dark, though.
3. Feed a cold, starve a fever
Most doctors and nutritionists have said that this is total rubbish for years because no matter how you're feeling, you should try to get liquids and a little food inside you to keep your energy levels up.
However, Dutch scientists discovered that eating a meal boosts your immune system and can help destroy viruses responsible for your cold. They also found that drinking just water increased the levels of a chemical in the body that helped attack fever-like symptoms.
Dr Chris' verdict: This is rubbish really. There's no real scientific evidence for this. Whether you have a cold or a fever, you need as much nutrition as possible and to drink plenty of fluids.
- Next: Does an apple a day keep the doctor away? Read more old wives tales and find out the truth
- Got your own favourite home remedy? Tell all in Chat
- Get more great advice from Dr Chris at FamilyGP.com
By Rob Mansfield
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Where to next?
-
Antibiotics unnecessary for colds
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Beating coughs, colds and the flu: Your tips
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Common cold
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How to stop infections and viruses
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Influenza immunisation (the flu-jab)
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Preventing colds and flu
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The truth about sore throats
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Tips to avoid coughs and colds
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Tips to avoid winter coughs and colds - part 2
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When do I need antibiotics?
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Which infections need antibiotics?
John Stolarczyk, about 1 year
Carrots can help you see in the dark by maintaining a full store of vitamin A in the body. Read more at the World Carrot Museum here: http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/nutrition2.html#eyesight
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