According to an article published in British Medical Journal . The study was conducted by U.S. researchers decided to test the scientific evidence behind six of the most common myths associated with this time of year:
* C on the cold lose body heat through the head
" As Christmas is approaching and with it the cold winter people start to wear hats because we are told that we lose between 40 and 45% of body heat through your head. "
FALSE : At low temperatures heat is lost through any part of the body uncovered, and the head is not anything special . The myth probably comes from an old military study in which scientists put various individuals Costumes Arctic survival (without caps) and measured their body heat loss in extremely cold temperatures .
* C omer at the last minute is less fattening:
" A Swedish study, claimed to have found that obese women were more likely to give a last bite before you go bed. "
The error is that not taken into account that obese women ate more during the day, not just before bedtime. The only truth about the weight has to do with a clear principle: "fat people who eat more calories than you burn."
* Suicide:
People decides not to kill themselves more in winter than in other seasons.
in Finland concluded that the greatest number of suicides occurred in autumn, with the lowest numbers in winter, while in Hungary the rates reached their peak in summer in Japan found that people more were killed after U.S. holidays and made sure that the holiday had no effect.
* Christmas Flowers:
"The Ponseti that adorns many homes during the Christmas holidays several countries are toxic for human consumption."
The researchers reached the conclusion would have to eat between 500 and 600 plants to become toxic to a human. Either way if you eat foods toxic to humans, in any amount, you should consult a physician.
* Sugar:
"The sugar makes children hyperactive."
cited in the article until 12 trials in which it appears that there is no change in behavior between children who received diets with sugar and sugar-free diets, and suggest that what really changes is the attitude of parents towards their children, especially the belief that they will be more active.
* Hangover:
No hangover cures or magic formulas to prevent it: no coffee, aspirin, bananas or tablespoons of oil.
The only solution is to wait and rest, although some placebo can make it more bearable. The only real remedy is to drink in moderation.
Source: British Medical Journal .
Abtract: Festive Medical miths. BMJ 2008; 337: a2769
