Don't swallow these health myths Water guzzling, sugar highs and caveman diets are all bunk

(Image: Peter Dazeley/Getty) 

We are constantly being bombarded with health advice, but not all of it is based on rigorous evidence. New Scientist debunks six common myths

HYDRATION

Drink eight glasses of water per day

This myth just won't go away, but the truth is no one even knows where it came from. And why pure water, not tea or juice?
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SUGAR

Sugar makes children hyperactive

Many parents are utterly convinced that eating sugary foods makes their kids bounce off the walls. They're wrong
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DETOXIFICATION

Our bodies can and should be 'detoxed'

There are all kinds of programmes and products designed to help us "detox". Do we need them and do they work?
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ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidant pills help you live longer

The evidence is in: popping pills containing antioxidants such as vitamin A and E doesn't help you and may be harmful
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FAT

Being a bit overweight shortens life

Carrying just a few extra pounds, far from being a one-way ticket to an early grave, seems to deter the grim reaper
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STONE AGE LIFESTYLE

We should live and eat like cavemen

Our bodies evolved for eating the food our ancestors could catch or gather, not stuff grown on farms. So the "paleo diet" has got to better for us, hasn't it?  

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