When Old Wives Are Right

Are carrots good for your eyes and does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? When you’re battling the flu or just want some advice on how to stay healthy, old wives’ tales may — or may not — help.

Feed a cold, starve a fever

Not so. Both of these ailments cause fluid loss and dehydration. Drink plenty of liquids and eat.

Fish makes you smart

It’s a fact — fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that help with brain function. But limit eating fish with high levels of mercury like swordfish, shark and tuna, especially if you’re pregnant.

Eat your carrots; they’re good for the eyes

False. As a matter of fact, British intelligence started this rumor during World War II, claiming their pilots could see well at night because they ate a lot of carrots. They didn’t want the Germans to know the planes were equipped with radar.

Keep your feet warm or you’ll get a cold

Not exactly. The Cardiff School of Biosciences at Cardiff University actually tested this tale on 180 cold-free participants by chilling the feet of some subjects. Only 10 percent who were "chilled" developed cold symptoms.

Long labor means, "It’s a Boy!"

Maybe so. Even though ultrasound scans now reveal the gender of a baby-to-be, there still may be some truth to this tale. Research at a Dublin, Ireland, maternity hospital showed mothers giving birth to boys were significantly more likely to experience longer labor.

An apple (or more) a day …

The old wife is right. More than one apple a day not only helps keep the doctor away, but can reduce the risk of developing breast and colon cancer. Researchers have found that high levels of apple phenols are potent antioxidants that have a beneficial effect on these cancer cells.

No need to fret about these tales

Some tales that our elders threatened us with (or recommended) aren’t based in fact:

• Reading in low light or watching too much television may strain your eyes, but won’t permanently damage them.
• Gray hair comes with age. Pulling one out won’t cause two more to grow in its place.
• Varicose veins aren’t caused by crossing your legs, but by heredity.
• Coffee doesn’t help cure a hangover and putting an onion under the bed of a sick person won’t help them get well any faster.
• And finally, hair won’t grow back darker or thicker when it’s shaved — just ask a bald man.

Have an interesting health tidbit, story or lesson you'd like to share? Send your suggestions here.