Half of Americans believe that medical conspiracies are true, NPR reports. Up to 20% believe that the government asks us to vaccinate children knowing it will cause autism, and another 20% think they’re likely to get cancer from their cellphones. It is safe to say there is a lot of misinformation about healthcare and nutrition. Many Americans have difficulty picking apart what is and isn’t true. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most recent and popular healthcare tips on the web:
Collagen Anti Wrinkle Creams Or Supplements Improve Skin’s Firmness and Elasticity: True
With age, loose skin and wrinkles are inevitable. “Wrinkles are the result of a loss of collagen, the main structural protein of the skin. As you age, the body begins to produce less of it, which keeps skin from being as firm as it was when you were younger,” ABC News explains. Collagen skin care products typically contain peptides. The peptides in collagen anti wrinkle creams and collagen face creams stimulate the natural production of collagen, restoring skin’s firmness and greatly reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Kids Are Smoking Coffee: False
Rumors that teenagers are smoking coffee may be an internet hoax (just in time for April Fool’s Day!), Time magazine reports. “While a viral string of ‘websites popping up online that will teach kids step-by-step on how to roll their own caffeine stick’ appears to be a little over-dramatic, there are a few how-to sites, and those that exist are often satirical, Time continues. In all likelihood, teens are getting their caffeine fixes the “normal” way: Starbucks and Red Bull.
Eating Five Fruits and Veggies Per Day Prolongs Your Life: Kinda True
Five portions may actually be a little too low, BBC News reported Tuesday. BCC adds, “Eating seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day is healthier than the minimum five currently recommended and would prolong lives.” According to a new study, eating seven to 10 portions of fresh fruits and vegetables decreased the chances of death — at any age — by 42%. Fresh vegetables were most effective. Eating canned fruits actually increased risks of death.
Don’t base your choices and lifestyle on misinformation and medical conspiracy. Know what is and isn’t true. Collagen anti wrinkle creams restore skin’s elasticity, you don’t have to worry about your teens smoking coffee, and upping daily portions of fruits and vegetables is likely to increase your overall health.