Food Old Wives' Tales That Are True!

We've all been told by our mothers, grandmas (and a host of other loved ones) that certain food-related tales can support good health. I thought we'd take a look at some of the most popular ones, which is the topic of my TODAY show segment. Check these out, and see if you agree! Let me know if you have some other "old wives' tales" you'd like to share.

Watch the segment from TODAY: Chicken Soup Helps a Cold - TRUE

• Warmth helps soothe the symptoms of a sore throat
• Liquid is good for staying hydrated (dehydration is easy with a cold!)
• Chicken soup has as an "anti-inflammatory" effect on body cells, to help reduce mucus production
• In the body, chicken soup slows the migration of white blood cells (called neutrophils) to the infection site, and slows down inflammation, which can help reduce congestion.

Ginger Ale is Good for an Upset Stomach - TRUE

• The active ingredient in the spice, ginger, is called gingerol
• Gingerol helps calm the digestive tract
• An updated version of the "tale" is to use ginger tea (a few slices of fresh ginger or a 1/2 teaspoon on powdered ginger in a cup of hot water), or crystallized ginger (about 10 calories per piece)
• Helps a variety of upset stomachs from morning sickness to recovery from a stomach virus

Fish is Brain Food - TRUE

• he omega-3 fats in many fish support brain cell health
• Healthy brain cell membranes support normal brain function
• Brain actions associated with omega-3 fat activity range from memory to mental focus, to mood
• disorders; studies are ongoing to demonstrate clear-cut actions

Caffeine Helps a Hangover - TRUE

• Avoiding overindulgence is the best strategy
• If you overindulge, caffeine (in coffee, tea, or other sources) can help jump start recovery from a hangover
• Caffeine is a stimulant and helps improve alertness and mental focus, to help promote other health-related behaviors like drinking plenty of water and eating some nutrient-dense foods
• Caffeine can help relieve a headache, often experienced as a hangover symptom

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away - TRUE

• Apples are rich in fiber and water, making them great for weight control (very filling) and digestive health (regularity!)
• A large apple has about 100 calories and 5 grams of fiber
• Antioxidants in apples, called "flavanols" support heart and lung health, and can help reduce cellular inflammation
• One apple a day is not going to be a cure-all, but can clearly support good healthy when consumed daily
• Eating the skin is a "must do" - that's where most of the flavanols are; skip the apple juice or apple sauce

Street Talk: What Are Your Favorite Wives' Tales?

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More from Madelyn:

• Food Myths That Will Shock You
• Can Red Wine Prevent Heart Disease?

Comments

Your comments remind me of the documentary SICKO. It was excellent and makes the same point.

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I agree the above five are good items but there are also others as Oranges make the gums healthy, they help to clot the blood in case of some minor injury. Bring freshness and many other benefits to keep one healthy.