1. “Eating Carrots Helps You See in the Dark”
While it won’t turn you into a superhero with night vision, carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A—a key nutrient for eye health. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to poor vision, especially in low light. So while carrots won’t give you literal night vision, they’re still essential for keeping your peepers sharp.
2. “Chicken Soup Cures a Cold”
Grandma’s chicken soup wasn’t just comfort food—it’s a legit cold remedy. Studies show chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties and can help clear nasal congestion. Plus, it hydrates you and provides nutrients to boost your immune system. It’s not magic, but it’s a warm hug in a bowl when you’re feeling crummy.
3. “If You Go Outside With Wet Hair, You’ll Catch a Cold”
This one’s a half-truth. You don’t catch a cold directly from being cold, but a chilly environment can suppress your immune response, making you more susceptible to viruses. Add wet hair to a frosty breeze, and you’re setting the stage for a sniffly outcome—especially if you’re already exposed to germs.
4. “Honey Soothes a Sore Throat”
Turns out this sticky-sweet advice is golden. Honey coats your throat, reducing irritation, and its antimicrobial properties can help fight off minor infections. Research even shows honey works better than some over-the-counter cough suppressants. So, next time your throat feels scratchy, skip the lozenges and grab the honey jar.
5. “Cracking Your Knuckles Will Give You Arthritis”
Okay, this one’s not true about arthritis—but there’s a nugget of truth. While knuckle-cracking itself won’t wreck your joints, doing it repeatedly could weaken grip strength or lead to hand swelling over time. If you’re hearing lots of pops and cracks, it might be worth easing up (just in case).
6. “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”
Maybe not every doctor, but apples are nutritional powerhouses. Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, they support gut health, immune function, and even heart health. Studies have linked regular apple consumption to a lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and certain cancers. It’s simple, cheap, and tasty advice that holds up.
7. “You Shouldn’t Swim Right After Eating”
No, you won’t drown from a cramp, but there’s a kernel of truth here. After eating, your body directs more blood flow to digestion, potentially leaving less for your muscles. While the risk is small, it’s why you might feel sluggish or crampy if you hit the pool too soon after a big meal. Better safe than sorry!
8. “Butter Eases a Burn”
Butter’s cooling sensation might provide temporary relief, but this tale has evolved: modern research shows honey or aloe vera is a better choice. However, early versions of this remedy probably stemmed from butter’s ability to create a protective barrier, which helped soothe the skin when other remedies weren’t available.
9. “Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever”
Not quite as extreme as it sounds, but there’s some sense here. When you’re fighting a cold, your body needs calories to fuel the immune response. With a fever, lighter meals may feel more manageable since digestion takes energy. The real takeaway? Listen to your body and stay hydrated no matter what.
10. “Yawning Is Contagious”
If someone yawns and you do it too, it’s not just in your head—it’s science. Yawning is believed to be a form of social bonding and empathy, which is why seeing someone else yawn triggers the same response in you. So the next time you’re in a meeting and someone yawns, don’t fight it—it’s human nature.
11. “You’ll Catch More Flies With Honey Than Vinegar”
This folksy advice about kindness turns out to be true in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Honey, being sweet, does attract more flies than the sourness of vinegar. In human interactions, research shows people respond better to positive, empathetic communication than to criticism or negativity. Grandma was right—kindness really does go a long way.
