Ketchup was once sold as Medicine
Yes, you heard that right. In the 1830s, an Ohio-based physician, Dr. John Cook Bennett, declared that tomatoes could cure a range of diseases and ailments. He concentrated tomatoes into a portable pill and boom! Ketchup was marketed as a cure-all medicine. Bet your next cheeseburger will taste a bit more medicinal now, eh?
A Pair of Pigeons can have up to 18 kids a Year
Pigeons, those urban symbols of love and peace, are quite the prolific breeders. A mating pair can produce between 6 to 9 broods a year, each brood having two eggs. That's up to 18 kids in a year! Talk about a full nest!
You can Hear a Blue Whale's Heartbeat from More than 2 Miles Away
The heart of a blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, is about the size of a small car. And guess what? Its heartbeat is so powerful that it can be detected more than two miles away. Even more astonishing, it only beats eight to ten times per minute. Now, that's a big-hearted creature!
The Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm Taller During the Summer
This Parisian landmark is a marvel of science and art. But did you know the Eiffel Tower can grow by up to 15 cm during the summer? This is due to the expansion of the iron on hot days. So, if you want to catch the Eiffel Tower at its tallest, better plan your visit for mid-July!
Bananas are Berries, but Strawberries Aren't
In a bizarre twist of botanical classification, bananas technically fall into the berry category while strawberries do not. This is due to the structure of the fruit and the plant it comes from. So next time you're enjoying a banana, remember, you're indulging in a very large, elongated berry!
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks! Five mind-bending facts that are sure to add a dash of intrigue to your next conversation. Now, go forth and share these fun facts with everyone you know, and watch as their faces register shock, amusement, and that wonderful "I can't believe it" look! Remember, the world is full of weird and wonderful things, and it's our job here at Bored Monkee to share them with you. Until next time, keep questioning, keep learning, and stay curious!
