Today, with the rapid development of information technology, we have access to an increasing number of channels for receiving information, which brings us numerous conveniences. However, along with that comes the problem that the quality of this information varies, and it often misleads us in our daily lives. Today, let's talk about these misconceptions.
1. The whiter the teeth, the better
Having straight and white teeth is the desire of many beauty-conscious individuals. Some people strive for white teeth, even to the point of pursuing a bright white color like that of celebrities. But is it really true that the whiter the teeth, the better?
Pseudo-health interpretation:
The outer layer of the teeth, called enamel, is semi-transparent, while the inner layer, called dentin, is slightly yellow in color and not completely white. The higher the mineralization of the enamel, the more transparent it becomes, and the underlying dentin color will show through as its natural pale yellow color. If the mineralization is low, the teeth will appear relatively white. Therefore, whiter teeth are not necessarily better. Generally, the most natural and harmonious tooth color is the one that matches your own skin tone.
2. Dyeing hair frequently makes you look younger
In life, there are many middle-aged and elderly people who, regardless of their physical condition, immediately dye their hair black as soon as they have white hair because they believe it makes them look younger. Indeed, dyeing white hair black can make a person appear younger, but frequent hair dyeing is not healthy.
Pseudo-health interpretation:
What are the dangers of hair dyeing?
1. Medical research has found that the oxidative hair dyes we commonly use contain more than 20 chemical components, 9 of which can cause hair cell mutation activity, promote cell proliferation, and ultimately induce carcinogenesis. If this type of hair dye is used continuously for 10 years, as long as 1% is absorbed by the skin, it can induce cancer.
2. Some hair dyes can also cause dermatitis. The most widely used oxidative dye in hair dyes is p-phenylenediamine, which can cause symptoms such as itchy scalp and excessive dandruff, which are actually precursors of dermatitis. If repeated use occurs, it can trigger dermatitis, resulting in symptoms such as redness and swelling of the scalp.
3. Some inferior hair dye products on the market add heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic to enhance the coloring effect. Some products have very high lead content, and long-term use can cause extensive damage to the body, potentially leading to symptoms such as dizziness, numbness in the limbs, and abdominal pain due to lead poisoning.
3. Drinking coffee regularly has many benefits
Many people believe that drinking coffee is similar to drinking tea, which can refresh and stimulate the brain and even prevent and treat diseases. However, modern medicine has shown that drinking too much coffee can cause a series of "coffee syndrome" and is detrimental to health.
Pseudo-health interpretation:
1. The alertness and brain stimulation caused by drinking coffee are mostly psychological effects. British researchers have found that the alertness and brain stimulation caused by drinking coffee in the morning may be purely psychological. Researchers from the University of East London recruited 88 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 47, all of whom were coffee lovers who drank at least 2 cups a day. The volunteers were divided into two groups and underwent a series of tests. The final evaluation results showed that the level of excitement of those who frequently consumed caffeinated beverages was comparable to that of those who rarely drank coffee and instead consumed a placebo.
2. Drinking too much coffee can have negative effects on health. American medical experts conducted a long-term survey and found that people who drink 5 cups of coffee a day have twice the incidence of heart disease compared to those who do not drink coffee. If some people drink 3 cups of strong coffee in a row, their heart rate will increase significantly, blood pressure will rise, and some may experience symptoms such as rapid breathing and nervousness. Drinking 1 cup of strong coffee continuously can cause obvious symptoms of poisoning such as blurred vision, tinnitus, muscle tremors, and arrhythmia. Therefore, drinking more coffee does not necessarily bring us good health.
4. Vegetarianism is the healthiest diet
Nowadays, more and more people choose to be vegetarians, some for religious or physical factors, but most for health reasons. These people unilaterally believe that eating vegetarian food every day is beneficial to health and longevity. However, just like eating too much meat, relying solely on a vegetarian diet can also lead to various health problems.
Pseudo-health interpretation:
1. Long-term vegetarians do not get sufficient animal protein, leading to an imbalance in the proportion of nutrients in the body, inadequate protein intake, and resulting in anemia, indigestion, memory decline, decreased sexual function, weakened immune function, and increased susceptibility to infections.
2. Long-term vegetarianism can also cause deficiencies in trace elements, such as manganese. Manganese deficiency can cause a decrease in the quality and quantity of certain enzymes in the body, leading to aging phenomena such as whitening hair, tooth loss, osteoporosis, and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Manganese in plant-based foods is difficult to absorb, and eating meat is an important way to obtain manganese.
3. Long-term vegetarianism can also affect the secretion of estrogen in women, leading to infertility. In addition, men who frequently eat vegetarian food can also suffer from zinc and manganese deficiencies, which can affect the pituitary gland's secretion of gonadotropins, causing a decline in sexual function and affecting fertility.
5. The more vegetable oil you consume, the healthier you are
Many people believe that vegetable oil is more nutritious than animal oil, and some even believe that consuming more vegetable oil will not lead to weight gain. Since animal oil contains high levels of cholesterol, which can cause cardiovascular diseases, and vegetable oil is basically cholesterol-free, people think that consuming more vegetable oil is healthier. But is it really true?
Pseudo-health interpretation:
1. Vegetable oil is mainly rich in vitamin E, but lacks vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Consuming it frequently can lead to deficiencies in these vitamins.
2. Vegetable oil contains abundant unsaturated fatty acids, which are prone to auto-oxidation and the formation of peroxides. The most obvious manifestation is the development of age spots on the skin.
3. If peroxides form on blood vessel walls, it can cause vascular aging, leading to atherosclerosis and cerebral embolism. If peroxides form in the liver, they become one of the causes of liver cirrhosis.
4. Peroxides can also cause the decomposition of various vitamins, especially vitamin C, resulting in the loss of their normal functions and causing a deficiency of vitamin C in the body.
5. Peroxides can also cause the destruction of red blood cells and mitochondrial membranes, leading to hemolysis and other conditions.
6. Eating more fruits is good for the body
Fruits are rich in sugars, vitamins, and other nutrients, and most fruits also contain various organic acids. Eating some fruits in moderation can supplement nutrition and promote digestion. However, if you eat too much fruit, it can also be harmful to the body.
Pseudo-health interpretation:
1. The sugars contained in fruits are mostly monosaccharides and disaccharides such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose. They can be directly absorbed by the blood without or with minimal digestion. If consumed excessively, it can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, stimulating the pancreas to secrete a large amount of insulin, leading to a rapid decrease in blood sugar levels. Fluctuations in blood sugar can cause mood instability, dizziness, lack of concentration, and other symptoms.
2. Eating too much fruit can also have a corrosive effect on teeth. For example, acidic fruits like citrus fruits can soften tooth enamel. Although tooth enamel will harden again after half an hour, if we brush our teeth immediately after eating, we will brush off some of the tooth enamel, greatly increasing the risk of tooth erosion.
3. Using fruits as a regular meal can easily lead to anemia. Most fruits contain abundant sugars, water, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals, but they lack vitamin B12 and certain essential amino acids. Vitamin B12 is an essential element for the production of red blood cells, and its severe deficiency can lead to anemia.
7. Eating more garlic is good for the body
Many people enjoy eating garlic because it has warming properties and a spicy taste, and it has various health benefits such as detoxification, promoting digestion, and improving gastric health. However, if you eat excessive amounts of garlic for a long time, it can also be harmful to the body.
Pseudo-health interpretation:
1. Young people who eat excessive amounts of garlic, especially those with eye diseases and individuals who frequently experience hot palms and night sweats due to Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, may suffer. By the age of 50 or 60, they may gradually experience blurred vision, tinnitus, dry mouth and throat, heaviness in the head and lightness in the feet, and a significant decline in memory.
2. People with spleen deficiency and diarrhea should not eat garlic because the allicin in garlic can stimulate the intestinal wall, leading to increased congestion and edema, exacerbating diarrhea.
8. The fresher the vegetables, the better
Many people like to buy vegetables that have just been harvested from the field, fresh and vibrant, and some even have dewdrops on them. They believe that the fresher the vegetables, the better. However, is it really true that vegetables are better when they are fresher?
Pseudo-health interpretation:
Scientific research has shown that freshness does not necessarily mean more nutritious, and freshly harvested vegetables may even contain harmful substances. For example, fresh wood ear mushrooms contain photosensitive substances that can cause sunburn-like reactions. Eating them can cause sunburn. Fresh daylilies contain colchicine, which can be transformed into toxic substances in the body and cause poisoning if absorbed by the intestines.
In fact, for most vegetables, after one week of storage, the nutrient content is the same or very similar to that of freshly harvested vegetables. For example, after one week of storage, the vitamin C content in tomatoes, bell peppers, and cauliflower decreases slightly. However, the vitamin C content in melons, green peppers, and spinach remains basically unchanged. Cabbages that have been preserved through refrigeration can even have higher vitamin C content than fresh cabbage.
9. The more sun exposure, the better
Some people believe that sun exposure is beneficial to the body's health as it promotes calcium absorption. Sun exposure also has the effect of preventing diseases and is beneficial to mental health, as it can relieve depressive moods. However, sun exposure should be done in moderation, as more is not necessarily better.
Pseudo-health interpretation:
1. If a person is frequently exposed to sunlight, it can cause keratinization of the skin cells and even cellular mutations. At the same time, collagen fibers and elastin fibers in the dermis can also undergo denaturation due to sun exposure. Therefore, frequent sun exposure can not only increase wrinkles, but also cause skin blood vessels to dilate, thin the vessel walls, affect skin blood circulation, and accelerate skin aging. Those who work outdoors for long periods or enjoy sunbathing often will have very rough skin, prominent wrinkles, dull skin tone, and speckles resembling leather on exposed areas such as the face, neck, and back of the hands.
2. Excessive sun exposure is also a significant factor in the development of skin cancer. The UK Cancer Research Center has suggested that many elderly people who have developed skin cancer may be experiencing the consequences of enjoying cheap sunbathing vacations in the 1970s.
