We were taught a lot of things growing up, and unfortunately many of them weren't true.
Children have no choice but to believe the adults around them, but now that we're all older, it's time to make some corrections.
Here are 10 myths your parents taught you that are total baloney.
1
If You Touch a Baby Bird, Its Mother Will Reject It
This is completely untrue. Most birds do not smell well enough to recognize a human’s hand, instead using looks and sound like we do. It is safe to handle baby birds, as long as you know what you’re doing.
2
Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
The “crack” sound when you crack your knuckles comes from a release of gas as you expand your joint capsule. While this might occasionally contribute to ligament pain or joint instability, it has nothing to do with the disease of arthritis.
3
Wait Three Hours to Swim After Eating
It might be a good idea to wait a tiny bit after eating before engaging in heavy physical activity, but there is nothing that separates swimming from other sports. And three hours is way too long.
4
We Only Use 10% of Our Brains
Every sci-fi writer’s favorite excuse for superhuman smarts is actually completely untrue. So far as scientists can tell, we use pretty much our entire brain every single day.
5
The Lion is the King of the Jungle
Lions actually live on the African savannah. Jungle cats include jaguars and leopards.
6
You Swallow Eight Spiders in Your Sleep Every Year
Thankfully, by and large, we swallow exactly zero spiders every year. Spiders have no reason to crawl towards our mouths, and tend to avoid humans due to noises and vibrations from our bodies.
7
Swallowed Gum Will Stay in Your Stomach for Seven Years
While it is true that your body doesn’t exactly digest gum, it still moves through your system the same as anything else. Expect it to get flushed down your toilet in a day or two.
8
Tongue Taste Zones
Not only were the tongue taste zones taught by parents, but they were taught in schools as well. In reality, taste buds all around your tongue can detect all flavors. Overall, the outsides of your tongue are more sensitive than the middle, and the back of the tongue is sensitive to the “bitter” flavor specifically, possibly to keep us from swallowing things we shouldn't.
9
Shaving Makes Your Hair Grow Back Faster
Despite what some people think, shaving or cutting your hair has nothing to do with its pace of growth. Hair grows from your head, not its ends, and cutting ends does not change that. However, a good cut can help keep everything cleaner and healthier.
10
Don’t Eat Sugar, You’ll Get Hyper
Higher levels of blood sugar actually have nothing to do with hyperactivity. Sugary foods are often consumed at parties, where children especially might be hyperactive. It’s an unrelated correlation.
