CLAIM: Consuming fish and milk together or one after other can lead to vitiligo. FACT: This is a myth; there is no scientific evidence supporting this idea, as vitiligo is primarily caused by autoimmune factors, not dietary combinations. ‘Don’t have milk and fish together!’ This is a common warning that many of our elders have […]
Indian industrialist Harsh Goenka has sparked debate over a widely touted weight loss remedy, once again drawing attention to the scientific validity of drinking lemon juice and honey for weight management — a practice that has gained significant traction on social media platforms. “I was told that if you drink lemon juice with honey every morning for […]
Since his Bharat Jodo Yatra a couple of years back, Rahul Gandhi’s choice of ‘winter clothes’ has been a matter of great discussion. This year too, we saw the Indian National Congress leader all over our Television screens and on social media in just a white T-shirt during the Delhi election campaign and parliament sessions […]
On January 25, 2025, a day before the country celebrated Republic Day, Dr Jose Chacko Periappuram, one of India’s pioneering cardiac surgeons, received a phone call from a Secretary in the Home Ministry. It was a phone call that he probably would not forget any time soon—he had won the Padma Bhushan for ‘revolutionising surgical […]
CLAIM: Drinking beer is good for bone health, and can prevent osteoporosis. FACT: Medical experts have criticized the PETA advertisement calling it a dangerous misrepresentation of scientific research that could mislead consumers. In fact, alcohol consumption is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Medical experts are strongly criticizing a PETA advertisement that claims beer consumption […]
CLAIM: Cut down oil intake by 10 percent to improve health. FACT: True, doctors First Check spoke to agreed with the suggestion, and stated to us that if adopted this would help improve the health of people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his inaugural speech for the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand advised people […]
At the beginning of February, Karishma Mehta, the Founder and CEO of the popular Humans of Bombay Instagram page, shared that she chose to freeze her eggs the previous month. She shared the news in a post on Instagram where she shared the important events in her life in the first month of 2025, sparking a conversation about […]
CLAIM: Inserting fingers into the mouth can treat tonsillitis. FACT: This practice is unsafe and can introduce new infections; proper medical treatment is necessary First Check came across a viral video on Facebook in which a man claims to cure tonsils by inserting fingers into mouth. “I treat tonsils and jaundice free of cost here,” […]
First Check received a WhatsApp tipline request from a reader regarding a video circulating on WhatsApp. In the video, a person claims that winter causes a rise in blood pressure and urges elderly not to get out of the bed before 8 AM lest it lead to paralysis or heart attack. “We see more cases […]
CLAIM: Paracetamol is the most harmful medicine in the world and should be avoided FACT: Paracetamol is safe when used as directed by medical professionals; risks arise only from overdose or misuse A podcast shared by @vatsalasingh in a tweet on December 3, 2024 describes paracetamol as the world’s most harmful medicine. The account has […]
CLAIM: Ivermectin reduces the ability to conceive and grow babies, causing infertility FACT: Misleading. Ivermectin’s safety during pregnancy remains inconclusive An Instagram channel @simone.gisondi with a following of 275,000 has recently posted an old video of a British anti-vaccine activist and an ex-Pfizer scientist Dr Mike Yeadon where he terms Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, […]
CLAIM: A viral video suggests drinking from plastic bottles leads to ingesting a credit card’s worth of plastic weekly. FACT: False. While an earlier 2019 study did claim so, more recent research from 2022 shows that the actual microplastic intake is about one millionth of that amount, and comes from various sources, not just plastic […]
CLAIM: Benzoyl Peroxide is effective for acne, particularly inflammatory acne. FACT: Benzoyl Peroxide should only be used under a dermatologist’s guidance, as improper use or concentration may cause irritation, burns, or allergic reactions. A video posted on Instagram by skincare and lifestyle influencer @banya_biswas.00 recommends using Benzoyl Peroxide for treatment of acne has drawn drawn.3,000 […]
CLAIM: IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti claims cow urine has medicinal properties including the ability to cure fever in 15 minutes and help with digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, citing an anecdote about a monk who used it. FACT: Medical experts, including gastroenterologists who First Check contacted, state there is no scientific evidence or […]
CLAIM: HIV is part of the composition of COVID-19 vaccines FACT: False. An experimental vaccine developed by Professor Keith Chappell, a molecular virologist, in 2020 incorporated a small HIV protein segment but posed no risk of HIV transmission. The vaccine never progressed beyond initial Phase 1 trials and was never distributed publicly. Reports about […]
CLAIM: A majority of Keralites are lactose intolerant, while 70% of West and North Indians can easily digest milk. FACT: Studies show that while Indians in general are lactose intolerant, more South Indians were prone to the condition than those from Northern parts of the country. A popular reel on Instagram claims that a majority […]
CLAIM: Puffs in your underarms signify toxin buildup in the body FACT: There is no scientific evidence that underarm “puffs” indicate toxin buildup. Variations in armpit appearance are normal and related to factors like body composition and anatomy An Instagram reel from the channel @excelled.health uploaded on 23 December, 2024, asserts that a “puff” rather […]
A viral Instagram post by @daveymaher_fitness, who has 436,000 followers, claims that sugar has numerous harmful effects on the body, including the controversial statement that “sugar in a baby’s brsain is called ADHD.” The video titled “Truth about the effects of Sugar” has garnered 67 lakh views and 181,000 likes. “Sugar in a baby’s […]
A major challenge in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) lies in the public’s fundamental misunderstanding of the issue, with many people mistakenly believing that the human body becomes resistant to antibiotics, when in fact, it is the bacteria themselves that evolve to withstand these medicines, says Dr Manica Balasegaram, a leading expert at the Global […]
First Check came across a video on Instagram, from the channel “The Sassy Sorceress” with more than 199k subscribers, which has raked up 6.2 million views and has been shared over 115k times, with more than 250,000 likes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Sassy Sorceress (@the.sassy.sorceress) The […]
CLAIM: Patharchatta leaves can dissolve kidney stones FACT: There is no scientific evidence to show that patharchatta leaves do not dissolve kidney stones. Experts warn against such unscientific home remedies for kidney stones, adding that if left untreated the complications could include urinary tract infections, severe pain, and in extreme cases, kidney damage. Recently a […]
CLAIM: A homemade tea can be used to detox lungs FACT: This is not true. Lungs cannot be detoxed by tea The First Check team came across a reel on Instagram with a claim that a “tea” can detox one’s lungs. Posted by @vaidyajayashreed, with 153,000 followers, the video has over 13.5 million views, 439,000 […]
CLAIM: Figs (Anjeer) are non-vegetarian as wasps are involved in the pollination process FACT: Figs come in multiple varieties, many of them don’t require wasps for pollination A couple of recent social media posts have claimed that figs are non-vegetarian. The claim originated on November 2 with a reel by @shashikant_iyengar, a verified account on […]
CLAIM: Hormones injected into cows linked to human cancer risk FACT: FALSE! There is no conclusive scientific evidence to support this The First Check team came across an Instagram post from the account “Satvik Movement, where they attribute a person’s recovery from cancer to the diet and lifestyle changes prescribed by Satvik Movement practitioners. […]
CLAIM: Eating an apple with cloves inserted overnight on an empty stomach can cure acidity, migraines, and other ailments. FACT: The claim is false. No scientific evidence supports the idea that eating a clove-laced apple can cure health issues. A viral video on Instagram shows a Hindi speaking man handing out apples inserted with cloves to people at a […]
CLAIM: A viral video says “analogue paneer” is made by mixing milk powder with oils to mimic real paneer FACT : It is true. The FSSAI defines analogue paneer as safe, though it’s not the same as traditional paneer Recent social media claims about the production of authentic and synthetic paneer have raised concerns […]
CLAIM US presidential candidate Donald Trump says “I’m the father of IVF” FACT IVF was developed by British scientists Sir Robert Edwards, Patrick Steptoe, and Jean Purdy, leading to the first IVF baby in 1978 Former United States President and now Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump, recently claimed that he was the “father” in vitro […]
CLAIM Salt is not as harmful when it comes to high blood pressure, as the body excretes it; sugar is the bigger problem. FACT Excessive salt and sugar intake can overwhelm natural processes, leading to high blood pressure A viral Instagram video from the account @getsetfit claims that salt consumption isn’t problematic for blood pressure and […]
CLAIM Root canals lead to breast cancer among women FACT No scientific evidence to support this assertion A YouTube channel The Skinny Confidential has put out a YouTube Short claiming there is a link between root canal and breast cancer. The video has got more than 18,00,000 views and over 56,000 likes. Even otherwise, […]
A video has been going viral on Instagram, which advocates against the removal of wisdom teeth, and is peppered with multiple claims about the benefits of keeping them, and the dangers of removing even impacted wisdom teeth. The video, which has been played close to 8 million times and has over 72,000 likes, claims […]
CLAIM: Diabetes does not affect one’s eyes, as long as your blood sugar levels are in control. FACT: Diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that can lead to vision loss in diabetics, is primarily influenced by the duration of diabetes rather than immediate blood sugar control. A common belief among diabetes patients is […]
CLAIM: Flavoured vapes can help people quit smoking FACT: Evidence from multiple studies supports Trump’s claim that vaping has indeed helped many people quit smoking, though the extent of its effectiveness may vary depending on the person. US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump claimed in a social media post that flavored vaping “greatly helped […]
As we commemorate World Mental Health Day, mental health professionals are sounding the alarm on the growing challenges of maintaining work-life balance in an increasingly connected world. Experts point to shifting workplace dynamics, technological intrusion, and a lack of coping strategies as key factors affecting mental health in professional settings. Conversations around mental health […]
CLAIM: AIIMS has said that eating hot food in plastic containers or heating food in plastic containers leads to cancer FACT: Certain plastics can leach harmful chemicals into food, especially when heated, so it’s important to use food-safe, BPA-free containers and consider alternatives like glass or stainless steel. However, AIIMS has never put out […]
CLAIM: Consuming onions in Coca-Cola can cure diabetes and significantly reduce high blood sugar levels. FACT: While onions may help regulate blood sugar due to their beneficial compounds, consuming them in Coca-Cola is ineffective and counterproductive because of the high sugar content in the beverage. One of our First Check readers sent us a […]
CLAIM: Apeel uses carcinogenic chemicals in its edible coatings for fruits and vegetables. FACT: Apeel’s coatings use FDA-approved, plant-derived ingredients (primarily mono- and diglycerides) that are safe for consumption and can be easily washed off. Social media is rife with posts which claim that Apeel, a company producing edible coatings for fruits and vegetables, use […]
Claim: Fish Oil quality can be determined using a thermocol test. Fish Oil made of Triglycerides are superior than those of Ethyl Esters. Fact: The thermocol test is not a scientific test in any manner and does not determine anything. As for triglyceride and ethyl ester forms, both are effective omega-3 sources for the human […]
CLAIM: Leech Therapy cures cervical pain. FACT: There is no scientific evidence to back the claim that leech therapy can help cure pain. A recent Instagram reel, which has over 230,000 likes, claimed that leech therapy can cure cervical pain in seven sessions. The post was shared by Sehatplusshorts, who has close to […]
Earlier this year, Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur, owner of X and known supporter of US President hopeful Donald Trump, took to X to share his thoughts on birth control. “Hormonal birth control makes you fat, doubles risk of depression & triples risk of suicide. This is the clear scientific consensus, but very few people seem […]
CLAIM: JD Vance asserts a “massive rise” in communicable diseases like HIV and tuberculosis in , Ohio, because of a rise in Haitian migrant population FACT: Local health data shows no such massive increase in infectious diseases, contradicting Vance’s claims. US Senator and Donald Trump’s running mate for the 2024 US Presidential elections, JD […]
CLAIM Consuming curd, salad, banana, radish at night with dinner leads to diseases FACT Scientific evidence does not support the claim that consuming curd, salad, banana, or radish at night leads to diseases; these foods are generally nutritious and easily digestible at any time of day. A popular claim among traditional medicinal practitioners […]
CLAIM: Caffeine should not be consumed at all while trying to conceive. FACT: Recent scientific research suggests that this widely held belief may not be entirely accurate; moderation is the key. The notion that caffeine must be entirely eliminated from one’s diet when attempting to conceive has been a belief popular among people […]
An Indian in-vitro fertilization (IVF) specialist has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging current regulations that prohibit the donation of unused embryos to other couples, a practice he argues is widely accepted internationally and could benefit many struggling with infertility. Dr. Aniruddha Narayan Malpani, with over 35 years of experience in the […]
CLAIM: Holding a laptop on lap for extended periods leads to infertility in men FACT: Correct. Laptop use on the lap may potentially impact male fertility due to heat and exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) Do you also often work with your laptop on your lap? Social media often trends with hashtags such […]
Pregnancy and motherhood can be a beautiful time- the joys of pregnancy, the anticipation of welcoming a new life, the blessing of a child. However, it can also have a darker side that is rarely spoken about. Depression during pregnancy and immediately after giving birth, called the perinatal period, is a dark reality that is […]
CLAIM: Zinc deficiency negatively affects male reproductive health and overall immunity. FACT: Scientific evidence strongly supports zinc’s crucial role in testosterone production, sperm quality, metabolism, and immune function, highlighting its importance for male health. There are few topics that keep social media abuzz like conversations and posts on fertility- from home remedies to help […]
For colorectal cancer, chemotherapy, especially when combined with surgery, can significantly boost survival chances CLAIM Chemotherapy has a failure rate of 97% FACT False. Effectiveness of chemotherapy and cancer survival rates vary based on various factors such as disease progression, patient health status, comorbidities, and lifestyle habits. This is a complex issue and cannot […]
CLAIM: Childhood vaccination leads to autism FACT: Scientific consensus firmly establishes that childhood vaccinations do not cause autism A claim that keeps popping up on social media and elsewhere, over and over again, is that vaccinating your child could lead to them developing autism. Vaccines indeed seem to cause autism. Shoutout to the […]
The 10-year follow-up study involved 945 patients across 137 sites in 21 countries Roughly half of metastatic melanoma patients treated with a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors remain cancer-free for a decade, according to a new report from Weill Cornell Medicine and Dana-Farber Cancer Center investigators and their colleagues, published in the New England […]
CLAIM: Estrogen from birth control pills is contaminating tap water, and drinking it can emasculate men. FACT: Research indicates that birth control pills contribute to less than 1% of estrogens found in drinking water. The alleged link between trace amounts of estrogen in water and gender dysphoria or “emasculation” lacks scientific support. A […]
Does your health supplement have artificial sweeteners and flavourings? Well, the co-founder of a health supplement brand has claimed that some of these substances, which are commonly found in supplements and food products, should be “completely avoided” as they are unsafe! In a recent YouTube video, the co-founder of nutraceutical brand Miduty, Palak Midha, was […]
The study on healthcare workers, analysed 10 distinct studies conducted between 2004 and 2023, uncovered an average of 2,391.6 TB cases per 100,000 healthcare workers, almost 8 times the rate observed in the general population A recent study has shed light on the heightened risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection among healthcare workers in India. […]
CLAIM: HPV vaccine is dangerous leading to infertility and death. HPV and cervical cancer are not significant threats. FACT: Scientific evidence shows that HPV is a real threat, and the vaccine is safe and effective. It does not lead to infertility or death. All major health organizations recommend HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancers. […]
Constipated individuals were twice as likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure compared to those without constipation, finds new study A recent Australian-led study analysed data from thousands of participants to conclude that being constipated may be more than just an uncomfortable condition– it could also mean that you are more likely to […]
While losing weight may help many pre-diabetics manage their condition, it may not help all, findings reveal Losing weight can help pre-diabetic patients, but it isn’t always sufficient to reverse the disease, says a new study. According to research by the Centenary Institute, certain fats in blood can predict whether losing weight will help pre-diabetic […]
CLAIM: Chicken Pox starts spreading once the rashes break out. FACT: A person infected with chicken pox can start spreading the virus 1-2 days before the rash even appears. Chicken pox is a common illness we all fall prey to during our lives. Even though almost everyone has it at least once, some myths […]
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine states that simple blood tests measuring one’s cholesterol levels and inflammation markers can predict a woman’s risk of developing heart disease over the next 30 years. The research, conducted with nearly 28,000 women in the U.S., focused on measuring two specific fats—low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and […]
Regular exercise is the best way to keep the muscles toned, the blood flowing, and reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. Gym goers and fitness enthusiasts often find their veins popping out after a good workout session. In the same way, seasoned weightlifters have prominent veins on their arms, legs and other body parts. […]
Polymer fume fever, an illness that can occur when Teflon-coated pans are overheated, can easily be prevented. ‘Teflon flu’ has been trending online, following a surge in suspected cases recently in the United States. Does it have any connection with non-stick cookware? Is it a serious health condition? Can it be prevented? The questions are […]
Robert Chesebrough, the American chemist who discovered petroleum jelly and lived for 96 years, had a spoonful of Vaseline every day, according to social media posts. We’ve all heard the popular adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. If social media is to be believed though, Robert Chesebrough, the American chemist who […]
Proponents claim that stimulating specific points on the ear can treat various health conditions affecting different parts of the body. A YouTube video in Hindi (with 4.2K+ views) of a recent podcast episode with a physiotherapist in India has been doing the rounds on social media platforms. “Is there any evidence to support the science […]
Hibiscus tea may have medicinal properties, but clinical research on the subject is currently limited. Earlier this week, a popular Indian actress put out a social media post on hibiscus tea, thanking her nutritionist for introducing her to the wonder drink with numerous health benefits. In response, a doctor known for combatting misleading health information […]
The presence of male cells in women could be attributed to pregnancies with male foetuses, or the transfer of cells from male siblings during gestation. “Do women carry the DNA of men they’ve had sexual intercourse with?” asked a First Check reader. This is an old claim that has been periodically surfacing on the internet […]
Its unique composition has led NASA to incorporate spirulina into astronauts’ diets to meet their nutritional needs in space. In recent years, spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, has captivated the attention of health enthusiasts and social media influencers alike. This microscopic marvel is claimed to have an impressive nutritional profile with several health benefits. […]
Reduced blood flow makes it tougher to detect gum disease in early stages, as bleeding gums are an early warning sign. While the risks of oral cancer due to tobacco use are well-known, many people are unaware of other detrimental effects on dental health. Research shows that tobacco use causes periodontal disease, oral mucosal lesions, […]
Air fryers operate at similar temperatures to deep fryers, but the most significant difference between the two methods lies in the fat and calorie content of the cooked food. “Are air fryer French fries a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried ones?” asked a First Check reader. For all those who love their French fries, First […]
The cosmetic industry has capitalised on insecurities surrounding cellulite – promoting treatments that offer temporary results, at best. Cellulite, a common skin condition affecting 80-90 per cent of post-pubertal women, has been the focus of the billion-dollar cosmetic industry. Disparagingly referred to as orange-peel skin or cottage cheese skin on social media platforms, the perception […]
Replenishing electrolytes like potassium and sodium, or stretching and massaging the affected muscle may help alleviate the pain. “Does drinking water help cure cramps?” asked a First Check reader. Another query was about “the effectiveness of consuming sesame seed balls to alleviate pain during cramps”. First Check gets you the science-backed answer. Cramping, or tightening […]
Studies find that soaking nuts does not improve gastrointestinal tolerance or have any effect on phytate levels. Social media experts seem unanimous in their recommendation of soaking nuts overnight before consumption. This practice is touted to have immense health benefits, but is the claim backed by science? First Check gets you the answer. According to […]
Older vaccines often used live but weakened viruses or bacteria that caused localised infection, triggering an immune response. In the past, getting a vaccine often left a scar on your arm. Many people assumed that the scar meant the vaccine was working. Today, modern vaccines today don’t cause scarring. Does it mean they aren’t as […]
A personal account of battling ignorance and online misinformation that made a manageable condition worse. I was 19 when I got diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The symptoms had been present since a long time, but I didn’t take them seriously. Neither did anyone else. I remember feeling tired most of the time, gaining excess weight, having […]
Feeding a baby with formula for the first six months of life can result in the emission of a quarter tonne of greenhouse gases, note public health researchers. Have you ever thought of breastfeeding as a sustainable food source? Can it serve as a carbon offset for the formula milk industry? A group of public […]
It’s high time we de-normalise tobacco use, given the massive price we are paying in terms of poor public health, high economic cost, and detrimental environmental effects. Tobacco addiction remains a formidable public health crisis globally, claiming an estimated eight million lives each year, including 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Despite […]
Targeted exercises can improve muscle tone and appearance, but they cannot really burn fat in specific areas of the body. By Allen Joe Mathew Social media is flooded with fitness videos recommending exercises that target specific areas of the body. Whether it’s reducing belly fat or facial fat, the videos claim that spot reduction can […]
The product is still being sold on major e-commerce sites in India, along with the misleading FSSAI logo. WhatsApp messages about cow urine now being bottled and sold in India have been doing the rounds for some time. Recently, the Press Information Bureau of India (PIB) put out a tweet that the Food Safety and […]
A recent YouTube video with 256K+ views suggests that alcohol consumption can keep glucose levels “steady and flat”. Interestingly, the speaker acknowledges that it is a “devious” or unhealthy method to keep the blood glucose levels in check.
A recent video of an Indian politician talking to the media during the ongoing election campaigns has been in the news for the dubious health claim. If an Indian politician is to be believed, the best way to cope with the scorching weather conditions is to carry an onion in your pocket! A recent video […]
Cooking rice along with any form of fat, not just coconut oil, reduces the calories absorbed by the body from the rice. Does cooking rice with coconut oil result in the reduction of calories in the rice? The query was shared by a First Check reader after watching a video on YouTube. While the video […]
The Bihar Information and Media Literacy Initiative, conducted in partnership with JEEViKA and DataLEADS, shows how media training programmes can empower young adults to navigate the digital world responsibly. How can we equip youngsters with skills to discern and counter health misinformation? The Bihar Information and Media Literacy Initiative (BIMLI), conducted in partnership with JEEViKA […]
They endorse a dubious dietary supplement and unverified drug for diabetes management, while discrediting established medications by means of fabricated reviews. Advertisements from ‘The Care Lab’ claiming to cure diabetes are bogus, finds First Check. These advertisements, seen on popular Indian news websites, lead users to dubious webpages selling unscientific treatments. The website dcarelab.com primarily […]
Contrary to what social media influencers may claim, castor oil cannot dissolve tumours, cure arthritis or detox the liver; at best, it may provide short-term relief from constipation. A viral video on Facebook and YouTube claims that castor oil can not only prevent life-threatening diseases, but it can also help patients fully recover from them. […]
The country ranks second worldwide in sickle cell disease incidence, with 102,021 reported cases, particularly among certain tribal populations. Recently, India got its first indigenous hydroxyurea oral suspension for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder. Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited is expected to manufacture the drug at one per cent […]
Researchers caution against oversimplification as autophagy has been attributed tumour-suppressive as well as tumour-promoting functions. A viral video on YouTube (with 10K views at the time of writing this) claims that fasting can cure cancer, among many other ailments. The video, narrated in the Malayalam language, asserts that the practice of fasting, common in many […]
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