3
Eating bananas makes you attract
more mosquitoes.
False.
There is no evidence to show that bananas make you more likely to be
mosquito bait. So why do some people seem to be mosquito magnets and
others are left alone? These blood-thirsty pests are attracted to warmth and
dark colours. They also like carbon dioxide, so they’re more likely to attack
when you’re exercising. Larger people and pregnant women have higher
metabolic rates and produce more carbon dioxide, so they’re prime targets.
Apparently mosquitoes are also attracted to you after you drink a beer,
maybe because you produce more heat afterwards or breathe harder.
So what can you do to keep mosquitoes away? Wear light-coloured
clothing and cover up to keep the bites to a minimum. There’s some
evidence that the smell of garlic might repel mosquitoes, but also people!
Avoiding sweet-smelling perfumes and lotions can help keep bugs away.
4
Oats help soothe bug bites.
True.
Oats contain phenols and other antioxidants that help soothe irritation,
lower inflammation and provide relief from itching for a variety of skin
conditions. For a spot treatment, mix oatmeal with equal parts water to
create a paste. Apply the paste to bites and leave on for about 10 minutes
before rinsing.
If you’ve been bitten over larger areas, soothe your skin with an oatmeal
bath. Draw a warm bath and add 1 cup of rolled oats. Soak in the tub for
at least 15 minutes, gently applying the oats to the itchy areas.
5
If you swallow watermelon seeds, a
watermelon will grow in your stomach.
False.
Even though your stomach isn’t the ideal growing environment for a watermelon, mom was right in trying to get you to avoid swallowing watermelon
seeds. There is a very small risk that the larger, dark seeds could irritate and
even damage your intestines. It’s best to avoid swallowing sharp,
non-digestible objects as a general rule. Points for mom for caring!
Don’t let this prevent you from enjoying this delicious and nutritious fruit.
Isn’t a juicy slice of watermelon one of the best parts of summer?
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