Blowing out birthday candles could be bad for your health. Here’s why

A US study found that blowing out candles ups bacteria on cake by 1,400%.

Next time you blow out the candles on your birthday cake, make a wish for your good health, as scientists have found that the popular tradition causes bacteria on the icing to increase by 1,400%.

Researchers from Clemson University in the US examined the potential spread of bacteria when blowing out candles on a birthday cake.

“The tradition of blowing out birthday candles has different theories as to its origin. Some theorise the practice began in Ancient Greece related to bringing cakes with lit candles to the temple of the goddess of the hunt, Artemis,” researchers said in the study published in the Journal of Food Research.

The tradition of blowing out birthday candles has different theories as to its origin.

“Other ancient cultures believed that the smoke from candles carried their wishes and prayers to the gods,” they said. This tradition has become commonplace in many parts of the world, they added. They found that bioaerosols in human breath may be a source of bacteria transferred to cake surfaces.

Blowing out the candles over the icing surface resulted in 1,400% more bacteria compared to icing not blown on, they found.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more