Health: Commonly held beliefs - But they're actually fiction
1. Chili peppers cause ulcers
For a long time, spicy foods were blamed for causing stomach ulcers. The logic seemed straightforward: the "burning" sensation must be damaging the stomach lining.
The Reality:
The primary cause of most stomach ulcers is a bacterial infection, specifically Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Another significant cause is the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
While spicy foods don't cause ulcers, they can irritate existing ulcers or cause discomfort in people with sensitive stomachs.
In fact some studies have shown that capsaicin can have a protective effect on the stomach lining.
Therefore:
It's not accurate to say that chili peppers cause ulcers.
The "burning" sensation is a neurological response, not a sign of physical damage to the stomach lining in the way that people used to believe. It is true that if someone already has an ulcer, that spicy foods can increase the pain from that ulcer. In essence, the idea that chili peppers cause ulcers is indeed largely a "wive's tale."
2. Reading in dim light will harm your vision
Many have been taught as a child that reading in dim light will harm long term vision.. This is simply not true.
FACT: While it can cause eye strain and temporary discomfort, it doesn't cause long-term damage.