Everyone and their dog has an opinion when it comes to your health, don’t they?

While the advent of the internet certainly didn’t help when it comes to spreading misformation about health, there are many myths that have existed before humankind hit the web.

Thankfully, the internet has also given us access to scientific information which can be used to disprove common health myths.

Here are five we want to bust today!

1. Eggs Are Bad For Your Heart

Starting in the 1970s, healthcare has been making a big deal over the role cholesterol plays in heart disease. Because of this, people started to turn away from eggs – particularly the yolks.

Yes, eggs are high in cholesterol but they are also rich in nutrients. New research suggests that there is no link between consuming eggs and cholesterol imbalance, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

In fact, the study demonstrated that those who eat more than seven eggs per week have an increase in both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).

This balance has proven to be neutral when it comes to the risk factors associated with eating eggs. Plus, the CDC touts eggs as being a nutritious and economical food.

2. Exercising At Night Will Ruin Your Sleep

In the late 1900s, exercise professionals warned people not to exercise too late in the evening because it will keep them up all night.

Science has since proven that this is not true and that nighttime exercise has no impact on sleep quality and can actually promote better sleep for some people.

However, because everyone’s body is as unique as they are, there are some that may find it hard to get to sleep after a workout – but this is the exception, not the rule.

3. Vaping is As Dangerous As Smoking

Let’s be clear: Vaping is not healthy. However, it is not as dangerous as smoking.

The dangers associated with vaping came about when vapers were experiencing pulmonary diseases and even death. This was all due to the addition of vitamin E acetate to the vaping devices which has seen been discontinued.

Nowadays, e-cigarettes are heavily regulated to ensure quality and safety. Again, they are not a “healthy” option but they do pose significantly less of a risk than tobacco cigarettes since they do not contain tar or carbon monoxide.

Vaping can still contribute to health issues but not on the same scale as tobacco cigarettes.

All in all, vaping is as dangerous as smoking cigarettes but it can’t be considered a “healthy” alternative. It is, however, a safe way to quit smoking cigarettes and even quit altogether.

4. Organic Foods Are Better For You

“Organic” is a buzzword that seems to be taking over the health industry, but are organic foods actually better for you?

According to science, the jury is still out on that one.

In fact, there is no hard and valid scientific evidence to support the idea that organic produce is superior to conventional produce.

There may be evidence that there are potential benefits to eating organic foods but nothing to prove that doing so will positively affect human health.

You may think because “organic” food is subject to tighter regulations and farming practices they are more nutritious but, the truth is, these regulations are not as strict as they seem and the bar is very low for companies that want to place an “organic” label on their produce.

There is also no clear research to suggest that organic foods with lower pesticide residues are significantly healthier than regular food.

5. Coffee Stunts Your Growth

This common health myth seems as old as time. This wild belief suggests that drinking coffee can stunt your growth!

But before you accuse shorter individuals of being caffeine addicts, consider the science: There is no valid evidence to suggest that coffee can impact a person’s height.

In fact, it is genetics that determines your height, not a caffeinated bean.

Scientists also want you to know that other common myths about coffee are largely untrue. Coffee has not been linked to any sort of medical condition, except for slight and temporary increases in blood pressure.

Leave Your Health to the Professionals!

Healthgist is dedicated to providing you with current and relevant information related to your health.

However, our articles are for informational purposes only and not intended as health advice.

If you have any questions about your health, don’t hesitate to have a chat with your healthcare provider.

About the author

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Dr. Bola

Family physician. Works for the "man" by day, wife & mom 24/7.
Loves the work of translating "medicalese" to plain english.

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