Every family has them: strange myths about food that just will not go away, no matter how much science and rationale you try to throw at the argument. It’s time to face facts: your mum is never going to believe that it’s perfectly fine to swim just ten (!) minutes after eating. And your dad’s not buying the idea that your GHD will give you better curls than eating your crusts. Here’s the delicious. team’s favourite family food myths.

“Eating bananas will make mozzies bite you more… The science behind that doesn’t seem to check out, though. Oh, and the best one – eating just one apple seed could be fatal, because of the cyanide. My parents clearly wanted to freak me out.” Morgan, digital art director

“My family had quite a few. Eating  your vegetables will put hairs on your chest.
Eating bread while chopping or slicing onions will stop you from crying. If you eat un-popped popcorn kernels it’ll grow in your stomach and explode (um, thanks Mum!). Drinking coffee will stunt your growth. No swimming for 30 minutes after eating – what is it about your skin being in contact with water that causes a stomach ache, again?” John, digital content producer

“Red food colouring will make you crazy. And bacon will give you cancer. On second thought…” David, senior sub-editor

“My mum told me eating carrots would give me good night vision. Still not sure about that one. But now I’m the food myth purveyor – I tell my daughter she has to eat her broccoli to get big muscles.” Karen, senior designer

“My parents always told me that eating cheese before bed gives you nightmares. Er… how? They were also vague on how digestion worked. Apparently drinking juice before or after drinking milk would make the milk curdle in your stomach? Not sure about that, guys.” Jacqui, creative director