Celebrity Health Tips: Don't Believe the Hype

I've accepted the fact that we live in a society which favours blindly following the advice of a celebrity over the science-based, albeit less-sexy, health advice.

The Sense about Science (SAS), a group of evidence-based minds, poked some holes into the practices of certain celebrities.

Here are some of the more dubious practices, according to the group.

1. Silicone Bracelets

We go across the pond (from where I sit) for our first abuse of science. Dead ball specialist David Beckham and princess-to-be Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing hologram-embedded silicone bracelets, which makers claim can improve energy and fitness.

Not true, says an SAS representitive, and unfortunately for "Becks" not only will it not give him more energy, but it also won't help him head the ball, use his left foot, or defend.

2. Detox

While the vast majority of intelligent people realize that subsisting on nothing but lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper is absurd, the SAS confirms that it makes "no scientific sense".

Still, celebrities such as Demi Moore and her boy toy Ashton Kutcher think it works (and Ms. Moore made a point of talking down to a twitter follower who dared question it).

Former supermodel Naomi Campbell also believes in the "magical" formula, and made the point of telling millions of viewers via Oprah "It's good to clean out your body once in a while."

3. Charcoal

Pop star Sarah Harding told Now magazine in April that she crumbles charcoal over her food, saying: "It's doesn't taste of anything and apparently absorbs all the bad damaging stuff in the body." Dr John Elmsley, a chemical scientist calls the charcoal,

Unnecessary when it comes to diet because the body is already quite capable of removing any 'bad damaging stuff'.

4. Sperm

But perhaps the most bizarre health practice has to be that of cage fighter Alex Reid, who "reabsorbs" his sperm in preparation for a big fight. Says Reid,

A tablespoon of semen has your equivalent of steak, eggs, lemons and oranges. I am reabsorbing it into my body and it makes me go raaaaahh...

Sounds like Reid has taken a few too many head shots and triangle chokes.

For those who are curious, the average ejaculation yields nary a single calorie (.7), and ergo not much in the way of macronutrients, and only a minimal source of potassium, copper and zinc.

Take-Home Points

The scientists from the ASA offer up these concise pointers to help counteract celebrity health stupidity.

• Nothing is chemical-free: everything is made of chemicals, it's just a case of which ones


• Detox is a marketing myth: our body does it without pricey potions and detox diets


• There's no need to boost: bodily functions occur without boosting


• Energy and fitness come from food and exercise: there are no shortcuts.