Milk Myth?

“Milk increases mucous.”

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Ruling:
False. It is just a placebo effect.

Analysis:
According to the study Relationship between milk intake and mucus production in adult volunteers challenged with rhinovirus-2, the test subjects ‘who believe “milk makes mucus” or reduce milk intake with colds reported significantly more cough and congestion symptoms, but they did not produce higher levels of nasal secretions.’ The researchers concluded that no statistically significant overall association can be detected between milk and dairy product intake and symptoms of mucus production in healthy adults, either asymptomatic or symptomatic, with rhinovirus infection.

See other: Mythconceptions?

Brain Usage Myth?

“We only use 10% of our brains.”

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Ruling:
False. Misunderstood metaphor.

Analysis:
Our brains consist of cells which conduct nerve impulses through electrical and chemical signals, these are called neurons. Neurons do not fire at all times; however, that does not mean that inactive neurons are useless, nor that 90% of the 86 billion neurons that make up the human nervous system are permanently inactive.

See other: Mythconceptions?