Myth vs Fact

Every entry gets one of four verdicts — Fact, Myth,Mixed Evidence, or It Depends — because a flat true/false call would misrepresent how often the real research actually lands somewhere in between.

The claim

“Taking a daily multivitamin prevents heart disease and cancer”

Myth

The largest trial found no cardiovascular benefit and only a modest cancer-incidence reduction in one group — a major guidelines review calls the evidence insufficient overall.

The claim

“Coffee dehydrates you”

Myth

At normal intake, coffee's mild diuretic effect is offset by its own fluid volume — a controlled trial found no hydration difference between coffee and water drinkers.

The claim

“Carbs are bad for you”

It Depends

Depends on quality and quantity: refined carbs in excess track with worse outcomes in cohort studies, fibre-rich carbs track with better ones — 'carbs' isn't one category.

The claim

“Eating fat makes you fat”

Myth

Metabolic-ward trials find low-fat and low-carb diets produce similar fat loss at matched calories — fat isn't uniquely fattening compared to other calories.

The claim

“Plant protein is incomplete, so you can't build muscle on a plant-based diet”

Mixed Evidence

Single plant foods can be lower in specific amino acids, but a varied plant diet across a day covers your needs — combining proteins in one meal isn't necessary.

The claim

“You can't build muscle after age 30”

Myth

Resistance training builds meaningful muscle mass and strength well into older age — the rate slows somewhat, but the capacity doesn't disappear at 30.

The claim

“You need to eat protein within 30 minutes of finishing a workout or you'll lose your gains”

Myth

The 'anabolic window' is real but far wider than 30 minutes — total daily protein intake matters far more than post-workout timing.