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.

 

1934: Chewing gum "exercises" your teeth.

BONUS NOT-QUITE-MEDICAL ADVICE: Watching TV makes kids get better grades (according to a TV manufacturer).