We’ve all heard food advice passed down through generations, some of it helpful, some of its pure fiction. From old wives’ tales to marketing gimmicks, many food myths have managed to stick around despite being debunked by science. Some of these beliefs might have made sense at one point, but modern research tells a different story. It’s time to set the record straight on 12 common food myths that just won’t go away.
Carrots Improve Your Eyesight
Carrots are packed with vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, but eating them won’t give you superhuman vision. The myth originated as World War II propaganda to explain why British pilots had improved night vision, when in reality, it was due to radar technology. While vitamin A deficiency can cause vision problems, eating extra carrots won’t make your eyesight sharper than normal.
Microwave Radiation Destroys Nutrients in Food
Microwaving actually preserves more nutrients than boiling or frying because it cooks food quickly and with less water. The real nutrient destroyers are prolonged heat exposure and excessive water loss, not the microwave itself. In fact, steaming vegetables in the microwave can retain more vitamins compared to other cooking methods.
Eating After 8 PM Causes Weight Gain
It’s not about when you eat, but what and how much you eat. Late-night snacking often involves calorie-dense, processed foods, but if your overall daily intake is balanced, the timing doesn’t make a difference. Your body processes calories the same way whether it’s day or night, so weight gain is more about excess calories than eating late.
Drinking Milk Increases Mucus Production
Many people believe that dairy thickens mucus and worsens colds, but studies show no direct link. Any feeling of throat coating is temporary and caused by the texture of milk, not increased mucus production. Unless you’re lactose intolerant, milk is unlikely to make your cold symptoms worse.
Adding Oil to Pasta Water Prevents Sticking
Oil floats on top of the water and does nothing to keep pasta from clumping together. Stirring pasta while it cooks is the real secret to preventing sticky noodles. Adding oil can actually make it harder for sauce to stick to the pasta.
Coffee Stunts Your Growth
There’s no scientific proof that caffeine affects height. The myth likely comes from outdated concerns about caffeine affecting bone density, but research has shown no significant impact on growth. Drinking too much coffee can cause sleep disturbances, but it won’t make you shorter.
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MSG Is Dangerous and Causes Headaches
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been unfairly demonized for decades, but scientific studies have found no evidence that it causes headaches or other health issues in the general population. It’s simply a flavor enhancer found naturally in foods like tomatoes and cheese. The so-called “Chinese restaurant syndrome” was based on anecdotal reports, not solid science.
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Frozen Fruits and Vegetables Are Less Nutritious Than Fresh
Frozen produce is often flash-frozen at peak ripeness, preserving its nutrients better than fresh produce that has been stored and transported for days or weeks. In some cases, frozen is even the better option. If fresh produce isn’t in season, frozen can be a more nutritious and cost-effective choice.
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Celery Burns More Calories Than It Provides
The idea that celery is a “negative-calorie food” isn’t true. While it’s very low in calories and takes energy to digest, the calorie burn is not significant enough to make it a weight-loss miracle. Eating celery as part of a balanced diet can be beneficial, but it won’t make fat disappear.
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Salt Makes Water Boil Faster
Adding salt to water enhances flavor but doesn’t speed up boiling. In fact, salted water has a slightly higher boiling point, meaning it technically takes longer to boil, but the difference is minimal. However, adding salt after water boils can help prevent salt deposits from forming on cookware.
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White Meat Is Always Healthier Than Red Meat
While white meat is often considered the “healthier” choice, red meat can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Lean cuts of beef contain essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are harder to find in white meat. The key is avoiding excessive processed meats and focusing on portion sizes. Instead of fearing red meat, just be mindful of how it’s prepared and consumed.
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Sugar Causes Hyperactivity in Kids
Despite popular belief, numerous studies have found no direct link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity in children. The “sugar rush” effect is more likely due to excitement, party environments, or expectations rather than the sugar itself. Parents may perceive kids as more hyperactive after sweets, but it’s often a placebo effect. While excessive sugar isn’t great for health, it’s not turning kids into energizer bunnies.
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Food myths have a way of sticking around, even when science proves them wrong. Whether it’s old advice from well-meaning relatives or marketing strategies designed to sell products, misinformation spreads easily. The good news? Knowing the truth can help you make better choices and avoid unnecessary food fears.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
90s Food Fads That Ruled the World and Vanished Overnight
The 1990s were a time of bold flavors, quirky packaging, and food trends that felt like they would last forever until they didn’t. Some snacks became instant icons, while others were more of a wild experiment that faded quickly. While a few have made nostalgic comebacks, most remain fond (and sometimes cringe-worthy) memories. Here are 9 food fads that ruled the 90s before vanishing.
Read it here: 90s Food Fads That Ruled the World and Vanished Overnight
12 Famous Milkshakes That Went Extinct Overnight
Milkshakes have always been a staple of fast food menus, offering creamy, sweet, and often indulgent flavors to complement burgers and fries. But not all shakes stick around forever some come and go like a fleeting sugar rush. Whether it was an experimental flavor, a limited-time promotion, or just too bold for mainstream tastes, these once-beloved milkshakes disappeared from menus almost overnight. While some may still live on in our memories (or secret menu hacks), most have faded into milkshake history.
Read it here: 12 Famous Milkshakes That Went Extinct Overnight
15 Ice Cream Favorites From the Past We Would Do Anything to Eat Again
Ice cream has always been more than just a dessert it’s a bite of pure nostalgia. From quirky flavors to limited-edition novelties, many iconic ice cream treats from the past have disappeared, leaving devoted fans craving one more taste. Whether they were packed with swirls of fudge, coated in crunchy chocolate, or bursting with fruity goodness, these frozen delights were childhood favorites that deserve a comeback. Here are 15 ice cream favorites we would do anything to eat again.
Read it here: 15 Ice Cream Favorites From the Past We Would Do Anything to Eat Again