Benjamin Franklin was a clever dude with a gift for pithy truisms. But one of his famous lines fails to pass the scientific sniff test.
Compared to people who go to bed before 11 p.m. and rise by 8 the next morning—a.k.a., “morning larks”—“night owls” who hit the sack and hop out of bed later enjoy a 5 percent income advantage, shows a study from the UK. The authors also found mental performance and mortality rates were equal among larks and owls. The researchers attribute the wealth gap to chance. So basically, simply getting up and going to bed early isn't going to make you healthy, wealthy, or any wiser. What really matters is what you do with the time after you wake.
Here’s the truth behind five more.
Saying #1: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
The truth: If every adult over 50 ate an apple every day, 8,500 fewer people would die every year from heart disease in the UK alone, according to a study in BMJ. The authors say an apple’s heart benefits come from its fiber content and high amounts of an antioxidant called flavonoid, which past research has linked to improved vascular function.
The truth: If every adult over 50 ate an apple every day, 8,500 fewer people would die every year from heart disease in the UK alone, according to a study in BMJ. The authors say an apple’s heart benefits come from its fiber content and high amounts of an antioxidant called flavonoid, which past research has linked to improved vascular function.
Saying #2: "A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures."
The truth: Your facial muscles and emotions are inextricably linked. As a result, even if you have nothing to smile about, turning up the corners of your mouth will instantly improve your mood, research reveals. And laughter has been shown to cause your blood vessels to dilate, which improves blood flow and heart health. But a long sleep? If by “long” you mean 8 hours, then definitely. But if you’re sleeping 10 hours a night or more, you’re risk for stroke, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease spikes. Why? Too many hours in bed usually means your snooze quality stinks, which is often caused be health issues like sleep apnea, found a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The authors suggest discussing with your doctor.
The truth: Your facial muscles and emotions are inextricably linked. As a result, even if you have nothing to smile about, turning up the corners of your mouth will instantly improve your mood, research reveals. And laughter has been shown to cause your blood vessels to dilate, which improves blood flow and heart health. But a long sleep? If by “long” you mean 8 hours, then definitely. But if you’re sleeping 10 hours a night or more, you’re risk for stroke, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease spikes. Why? Too many hours in bed usually means your snooze quality stinks, which is often caused be health issues like sleep apnea, found a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The authors suggest discussing with your doctor.
Saying #3: "Fresh air impoverishes the doctor."
The truth: Spending time outdoors and in nature has been linked to health benefits ranging from lower stress to improved brain function. While the exact mechanisms aren’t clear, there’s no question that spending time in nature—or even just staring at the color green—is restorative and health improving, researchers say.
The truth: Spending time outdoors and in nature has been linked to health benefits ranging from lower stress to improved brain function. While the exact mechanisms aren’t clear, there’s no question that spending time in nature—or even just staring at the color green—is restorative and health improving, researchers say.
Saying #4: "It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor."
The truth: Thanks to the production of neuron-growing proteins, exercise improves your memory, attention span, and decision-making, research shows. And thanks to the resulting flood of mood-improving brain chemicals, just 15 minutes of exercise also makes you feel more happy and enthusiastic, suggests a Penn State University study.
The truth: Thanks to the production of neuron-growing proteins, exercise improves your memory, attention span, and decision-making, research shows. And thanks to the resulting flood of mood-improving brain chemicals, just 15 minutes of exercise also makes you feel more happy and enthusiastic, suggests a Penn State University study.
Saying #5: “Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart . . .”
The truth: Due to their high quantities of folate and fiber, people who eat four or more servings of beans a week enjoy a 22 percent drop in heart disease risk, one study found. As for the second part of the rhyme, well, you probably don’t need scientific proof.
The truth: Due to their high quantities of folate and fiber, people who eat four or more servings of beans a week enjoy a 22 percent drop in heart disease risk, one study found. As for the second part of the rhyme, well, you probably don’t need scientific proof.
Markham Heid
Good piece.
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