How to Become Healthy Though Old Wives Tales

Old Wives' Tales have been passed down, generation to generation, since the beginning of language. In olden times, people were dependent on these bits of wisdom which were passed along through the oral tradition. Today, we have all heard one or another of the tales because they have been used, and are still being used, to encourage good behavior and discourage bad. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to use common sense when applying Old Wives' Tales to our daily lives because, in some, the truth can be blurred. (For example, it is safe to bathe in hot tubs because the water temperature is so hot it will kill all forms of bacteria and germs.) By following a few steps, some Old Wives' Tales can be used as a means of improving our health.

Things You'll Need

• Apples
• Carrots
• Bread
• Fish
• Cranberry Juice

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Eat an apple. Even though "an apple [itself] ... [does not] keep . . . the doctor away," apples are full of antioxidants and these can keep illness at bay. Apples also boost good cholesterol. An added bonus is the citric acid that helps recovery after a heavy workout program.

• 2

  Munch on carrots because, according to this Old Wives' Tale, they are supposed to be good for one's eyesight. Carrots have an abundance of vitamin A that is essential for vision. In fact, a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness. However, this same benefit can be obtained through sweet potatoes, spinach and kale.

• 3

  Remember the bread crust. Mom used to say, "Eat your crust; it's good for you." She was right. It seems the crust has 8 times the amount of antioxidants than the rest of the bread combined.

• 4

  Bake fish for dinner. Fish is high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are good for brain development. Omega 3 acids are also good for a healthy heart.

• 5

  Drink plenty of cranberry juice, says the Old Wives' Tale, because it will prevent urinary tract infections. Even though this was debated at first, it has finally been proven true. Scientific study has proven that cranberry juice keeps bacteria, a common factor behind infections, from clinging to the walls of the bladder; urinary tract infections are thus prevented.

• 6

  Stay indoors when the hair is wet; if you do not, you will get sick. This tale is simply that---a tale. The truth is that most colds are caught during the winter months because most people stay indoors, the place where viruses spread rapidly.

• 7

  "Feed a cold and starve a fever" is not the way to care for an ill family member or loved one. It is never a good idea to skip a meal. In addition, nutrition is needed to boost the immune system. Hot soup and tea are good ways to avoid dehydration during a fever.