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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