Quick Take
A social media post claims that a powder of seeds and nuts can drastically increase a child’s height in 15 days. We fact checked it, and it turned out to be false.
The Claim
An Instagram video suggests, “Take 50g of til (sesame seeds), 50g of almonds, 50g of makhana (foxnuts), and 50g of saunf. Mix all these together, roast them, and make a powder. Then, put one spoonful every day in the child’s milk in the morning. In just 15 days, the height of your child will increase so much that you will have to cut their legs to make them stop growing.”
Fact Check
Can a specific food mixture cause such rapid and extreme height increase in children?
No. Height growth in children is a complex biological process which depends on genetics, nutrition over the long term, and hormonal factors. So, adequate nutrition is crucial for healthy growth. But no single food or mixture can cause such a drastic and rapid increase in height within 15 days. The claim of needing to “cut the legs” to stop growth is an exaggeration and not based on any scientific understanding of human biology.
Dr Almas Fatma, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, addresses the implausibility of such claims. She says, “It is biologically impossible for any specific food mixture, such as one made from sesame seeds, almonds, foxnuts, and fennel seeds, to cause a rapid and extreme increase in a child’s height within a short period like 15 days. Human growth is a complex process governed by genetics, hormones, and consistent long-term nutrition. No single food can override these fundamental biological mechanisms to induce such a dramatic change. Claims suggesting otherwise are not based on scientific understanding.”
Do sesame seeds, almonds, foxnuts, and fennel seeds individually possess properties that can lead to extreme height growth?
No. These ingredients are indeed nutritious and can contribute to a healthy diet for children. But none of these possess specific properties capable of triggering extraordinary height growth. For instance, sesame seeds offer calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all vital for bone health. Similarly, almonds provide vitamin E, magnesium, and protein, while foxnuts are a source of calcium and fibre. Makhana or foxnuts are a low glycemic index option which can be really beneficial for diabetics too.
However, it’s worth noting that these seeds and nuts also contain phytates, compounds that can actually hinder the absorption of certain nutrients. Fennel seeds, on the other hand, are popular for their digestive benefits. Therefore, although these nutrients support overall well-being and healthy development, they lack the specific compounds required to induce the rapid and extreme height increase described in the claim.
This misconception about specific foods and rapid growth is not isolated, as we have also debunked another claim that consuming makhana, khas khas, and desi ghee with milk can help increase a child’s height. Furthermore, claims also circulate suggesting that eating chuna with dahi can increase height.
Is it possible for a child to experience such rapid growth?
Not really. Height growth in children occurs gradually, mainly during periods of growth spurts like during puberty. The bones lengthen through a process controlled by growth hormones. So, even though good nutrition can support healthy growth, there is no evidence that consuming a specific food combination can cause abnormal or accelerated growth in just two weeks. Any claims suggesting the need to “cut the legs” to stop growth are purely fictional.
Can food alone cause height increase?
No, food alone cannot determine height increase in such a short period. Growth involves a complex interaction of genetics, physical activity, sleep, and overall nutrition. Although a balanced diet can help children grow to their maximum potential, expecting a dramatic change in height in 15 days is unrealistic. The body requires sustained nutrient intake, proper exercise, and adequate rest over a long time to grow healthily.
Dt. Harita Adhvaryu, Senior Clinical Dietitian at Ezcure Diabetes Care in Ahmedabad, clarifies, “Height largely depends on genetics. During childhood and adolescence, our body goes through growth spurts, and proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting this natural process. Nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein are essential for bone health and growth. However, once we reach the end of puberty, the growth plates in our bones close, which signals the end of vertical growth. After this point, no diet, supplement, or treatment can increase your height, as the bones can no longer lengthen. While some practices may improve posture or spinal alignment, they cannot add to your height once your skeleton has fully developed.”
THIP Media Take
The claim that a powder of seeds and nuts can drastically increase a child’s height in 15 days is false. The idea that you would need to cut a child’s legs to stop growth has no basis and is biologically impossible. While the ingredients provide nutrition, they cannot override the complex biological processes that control human growth in such a dramatic and unrealistic way. This claim spreads dangerous misinformation and people should disregard it.
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