In the UK, 33 million people still believe in popular myths, or old wives’ tales, the Telegraph has reported.

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Making the list of the top 20 most believed old wives’ tales was the idea that if a pregnant woman is carrying low she’ll have a son, and if she’s carrying high, she can expect a baby girl. The study showed 15% of parents thought this to be the case.

The notion that a mum-to-be needs to eat for two also made the top 20 list!

Rather than opting for a proven medical cure, people commonly turn to those handed-down superstitions and cultural beliefs to help relieve their ailments, the study revealed.

"The findings show Brits are still resorting to old practices and methods which are passed down through generations.

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"Similarly, in the UK we are more likely to believe things our grandparents or parents once passed on, rather than something which has been proved as medically correct.

"People still trust deep-rooted traditions and beliefs,” commented Sharon Schofield, Director of Fundraising for Brooke, the working equine animal charity that carried our the study

The study involved 3,000 adults, with 69% believing in old wives tales. Also, 72% said they pass on tales that came from their parents or grandparents to their children.

Here’s the tales topping the charts – take a look and tell us which one you believe!

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  1. Wait an hour after swimming before eating
  2. Most body heat is lose through the head
  3. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day
  4. Feed a cold, starve a fever
  5. Urinate on a jelly fish sting
  6. Going outside with wet hair gives you a cold
  7. Cracking knuckles causes arthritis
  8. Eating carrots improves eyesight
  9. Copper bracelets sooth arthritis
  10. Tipping your head back relieves nose bleeds
  11. Brushing teeth straight after eating stops decay
  12. Eating too much sugar triggers diabetes
  13. Swallowed chewing gum stays in your stomach for seven years
  14. An apple between meals keeps teeth clean
  15. Sneeze with your eyes makes them pop out
  16. If a pregnant woman is carrying low it's a boy, high it's a girl
  17. Pregnant women should eat for two
  18. Spicy food gives you ulcers
  19. Only eat shellfish when there is an 'r' in the month
  20. Sitting on a hot radiator gives you piles
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