Blowing out candles on the cake unhealthy

Researchers from Clemson University, USA, have found that the popular tradition when someone blows out candles on a cake during a birthday celebration causes bacteria on the icing to increase by 1,400%.

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

‘Other ancient cultures believed that the smoke from candles carried their wishes and prayers to the gods,’ they wrote.

Bio-aerosols in human breath may be a source of bacteria transferred to cake surfaces, said the researchers.

Next time you blow candles on the birthday cake wish for good health too.