10 unfounded health myths to keep in mind in 2025 and beyond

14/01/25
News

 A woman drinking water.

There exists a plethora of health “advice” out there, and you can almost be certain that with a new year comes new ways to manage your health and wellbeing. 

Though, some of these pieces of advice are often built on myths, wasting your time, while others may even harm your health. 

So, from misconceptions about hydration to outdated ideas regarding nutrition, continue reading to discover 10 common myths and why you should leave them in the past.

1. Eggs are bad for your heart

For years, eggs have been vilified by some due to their cholesterol content. While it is true that egg yolks contain cholesterol, the amount found in any one food is nowhere near as harmful as once thought. 

What matters more is the balance of fats in your overall diet. In fact, eggs are a valuable source of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which can actually reduce your risk of heart disease. 

By including eggs as part of a balanced diet, you can enjoy their benefits without concern for your heart health.

2. You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day

The idea that you must drink eight glasses of water a day is perhaps one of the most commonplace health myths. 

Granted, staying hydrated is essential, but the exact amount you need depends on various factors, such as your activity levels and diet. 

Foods like soup, fruits, and vegetables, as well as drinks like tea and coffee, all contribute significantly to your hydration. 

So, instead of fixating on drinking a specific amount of water each day, simply monitor your body’s signals – if your urine is dark, it’s a sign that you may need to drink more water. 

3. Being cold results in a cold

You may have heard the phrase “wrap up warm, or you’ll catch a cold” in the past, but this isn’t exactly scientifically accurate. 

Indeed, cold weather alone doesn’t cause colds, Bupa reveals. Instead, viral illnesses like the common cold are far more prevalent in winter because people tend to spend longer indoors, increasing close contact with others.

While staying warm is undoubtedly important, it won’t necessarily protect you from catching a cold.

4. Microwaving foods kills its nutrients

Microwaves heat food by stimulating water molecules, converting the energy into heat. Contrary to popular belief, this process does not destroy nutrients. 

In fact, since microwaves often cook food more quickly than other methods, they can actually preserve more nutrients by minimising heat exposure. 

All cooking methods tend to result in some nutrient loss, but microwaving is no worse. 

5. Detox teas help you lose weight

“Detox teas” are often marketed as a quick way to lose some weight and “cleanse” your body, but these claims rarely hold water. 

In fact, while these teas may contain laxatives or diuretics that temporarily reduce your body’s water weight, they don’t eliminate toxins or promote proper weight loss. 

Relying on these detox teas can actually cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, posing a risk to your health. 

As such, it’s worth focusing on more sustainable habits instead, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

6. The skins of fruits and vegetables contain toxins

Some believe that the skins of fruits and vegetables harbour toxins and should be peeled before eating.

However, the exact opposite is true, as skin is often rich in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. 

For instance, Healthline reveals that up to 31% of a vegetable’s fibre content can be found in the skin, while antioxidant levels can be 328 times higher in fruit peels than the pulp. 

As such, by consuming fruit and veg with the skins intact, you could boost your nutrient intake and enjoy the health benefits. 

7. Cracking joints causes arthritis

If you’ve ever been warned that cracking your joints could lead to arthritis, you can rest assured that this is an old wives’ tale. 

The cracking sound occurs when gas bubbles in the joint fluid collapse or are pulled into low-pressure spaces during movement. 

So, if you’re a fan of cracking your knuckles, you can rest safe in the knowledge that there is no link between this and arthritis. 

8. Your muscles turn to fat when you stop exercising

Muscle and fat are two entirely different types of tissue, so one cannot transform into the other. 

When you stop exercising, your muscles may shrink from lack of use, and you may gain fat if you consume more calories than you burn. 

Though, there is no direct conversion when you stop exercising, so if you wish to prevent unwanted changes, simply staying active and maintaining a healthy diet can help.

9. Toothpaste can heal spots

Using toothpaste to dry out spots is a common DIY remedy, but in reality, it’s neither safe nor effective. 

In fact, the NHS reveals that toothpaste contains ingredients that can irritate or damage your skin, potentially making the problem worse. 

As such, it’s far better to use products specifically designed for skincare or seek advice from a pharmacist or GP. 

10. Low-fat food products are healthier choices

Foods labelled as “fat-free” or “low-fat” might seem like healthier options, but this isn’t always the case. 

These products might actually contain added sugar, sodium, starches and pastes to make up for the loss of flavour, harming your health. 

What’s more, fats play a crucial role in satiating hunger, so opting for low-fat alternatives might leave you feeling less satisfied and more likely to snack.

Above all, it’s vital to strike a balance and focus on your overall nutrition if you’re looking to make healthier choices.

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Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.