They say that hindsight is 20/20, but in today’s health-conscious society, it’s hard to imagine a time in which these medical studies and thinly veiled ads were taken as fact.
1924: Tobacco smoke isn’t bad for you.
1970s: Sugar helps you lose weight.
1932: “Mental germs” cause suicide.
1940s-50s: Cigarettes are good for your teeth, may help lengthen your life and are a healthy alternative to overeating.
1933: Loud noises help restore hearing.
1932: Dancing and daylight savings time lead to tuberculosis.
Early 1900s: Tape worms are a safe way to lose weight.
1932: Drinking alcohol improves the health of your heart and kidneys.
1953: Exposure to nuclear energy may create a race of evil supermen.
1902: Heroin is a safe, nonaddictive alternative to codeine and morphine.
1935: Smoking helps steady your nerves.
