Busting Common Myths: 9 Beliefs That Aren’t Actually True

We often come across certain “Facts” that have been ingrained in our minds for years, only to discover later that they are far from the truth. In this enlightening journey, we will unravel 9 commonly believed myths that have deceived many. 

From misconceptions about oxygen sources to the real story behind fortune cookies, prepare to have your knowledge challenged and your curiosity piqued. 

1. The Oxygen Mystery:

Common belief suggests that trees are our primary source of oxygen. However, it might surprise you to learn that rainforests contribute only about 28% of Earth’s oxygen. The majority, somewhere between 50% and 85%, comes from marine plants like kelp and phytoplankton in our oceans.

2. Daddy Longlegs Deception:

The myth that daddy longlegs are the world’s most venomous spiders with harmless fangs is debunked. In fact, there are different creatures called daddy longlegs, and most are not spiders. The actual daddy longlegs spider doesn’t possess potent venom like its reputation suggests.

3. Einstein’s Math Success:

Contrary to the widespread belief that Albert Einstein failed math in school, he was, in fact, a math prodigy. He mastered differential and integral calculus by the age of 15. The myth of his math failure was debunked, putting Einstein’s mathematical prowess in the spotlight.

4. The Hair and Nail Myth:

It’s commonly believed that hair and nails continue to grow after death. However, this is nothing more than a misconception. The appearance of growth post-mortem is due to skin retracting as the body dehydrates, creating an illusion.

5. The Shaving Illusion:

There’s a popular belief that shaving makes hair grow back thicker and darker. In reality, shaving does not alter hair thickness or color. The illusion arises because shaved hair has a blunt end, giving it a temporarily coarser appearance.

6. The Not-So-Chinese Fortune Cookies:

Fortune cookies, often associated with Chinese cuisine, have a surprising history. They originated in Japan as “tsujiura senbei” and were introduced to the United States by Japanese immigrants. The sweet, vanilla-flavored fortune cookies we know today have a more complex heritage than their name suggests.

7. Gum’s Seven-Year Myth:

The myth that swallowed gum stays in your body for seven years is a persistent misconception. Gum may linger in the digestive tract for a short period, but eventually, it passes through the normal digestive process.

8. St. Patrick’s True Origin:

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, wasn’t Irish himself. Born in Scotland, he ended up in Ireland after being kidnapped by Irish pirates. His remarkable story of returning to Ireland as a missionary to spread Catholicism reveals a lesser-known truth.

9. The Sugar Hyperactivity Myth:

The belief that sugar causes hyperactivity, a common notion among parents, has been widely discredited. Scientific studies have repeatedly debunked this myth, revealing that sugar does not lead to increased activity in children.

That’s not all for Part-01. We will be back to debunk 8 more common beliefs so keep your eyes stuck to us for Part-02! 

Happy Reading!