For years, athletes have feared eating turkey because it might make them feel sleepy. But they're not the only ones who have questions like "Do spicy foods really speed up metabolism?", or "Do I really need to drink 8 glasses of water a day?"
It seems like there is still a number of eating and drinking wives tales that leaves most people wondering, especially those that are particularly appropriate around this time of the year such as those dealing with colds and hangovers.
To finally answer your queries about these food-focused tales, here are some of the most common beliefs everyone is curious about. Just a heads-up, you may be surprised to know which beliefs are telling a rock-solid truth, and those that are just flat-out false.
Here is the line-up:
Myth: Turkey makes you sleepy
This myth was rooted from the fact that turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that boosts the brain's chemical serotonin, used to make melatonin, which are both beneficial for sleep. However, truth is, there isn't really a connection between the two. First of all, turkey isn't exclusive in its tryptophan content. This amino acid can also be found in chicken, meats, fish, dairy and eggs (you probably haven't felt sleepy after eating an omelet, have you?).
The real reason why turkey has been believed to cause sleepiness is because Thanksgiving (aka Turkey Day) is a day devoted to overeating for most people. Eating too much usually shifts your blood flow to your stomach, which usually leaves the brain zappy and drained.
Fact: Chicken soups helps with a cold
This one is scientifically based, so listen up. A famous study from the University of Nebraska Medical Center found that chicken soup actually has an anti-inflammatory effect, which may help ease pain and discomfort. It can also hasten the movement of mucus through the nose to relieve congestion.
And while cold beverages delay the draining of mucous secretions, hot liquids thin them so they are drained quicker providing relief to the person. Furthermore, you usually lose fluid when you're sick because of sweating, coughing, and the salt from the soup can help you retain the water in your body to keep you hydrated. If you're allergic to chicken, a vegetable soup can be a good substitute for it.
Myth: Alcohol helps you sleep
Honestly, there have already been a lot of studies published about the effect of alcohol on sleep, and while it's true that alcohol may reduce the time it takes for a certain individual to fall asleep, it also interrupts the person's overall sleep, specifically during the REM phase of sleep, which is known to be the one that restores the energy you used up during the day.
And the more you drink, the worse the impact.
If you ever find sleeping to be a little bit difficult, be sure to skip on your caffeine at least 6 hours before hitting the sac, keep your room cool, dark and quiet, and try to relax your body starting from the tip of your toe, up to the top of your head, either before bed, or after you're already tucked in.
So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, the most common and frequently asked tales about food. I seriously hope it has helped you in one way or the other.
