The New York Times summarizes a few “medical myths” today, and Ezra Klein says he’s glad to hear that knuckle cracking doesn’t cause arthritis. Since I’m a longtime knuckle cracker and it drives my mother crazy, I already knew this. You gotta keep up with the latest research when you’re arguing with Mom. But this one surprised me:
8. Sugar makes kids hyper. Numerous studies show sugar doesn’t affect behavior, but most parents don’t believe this. In one study, parents were told their kids had sugar and they were more likely to report problem behavior — but in reality, the kids had consumed a sugar-free drink.
Seriously? Sugar has no effect on kids’ behavior? This must be one of the most widely believed myths in history. I’m not sure I want to buy the book all this stuff is excerpted from, but I might head over to the bookstore just to skim this part. It sounds fascinatingly contrary.
