Corn flakes seem like the most harmless food in your pantry, but their backstory is anything but innocent.
The cereal was created by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, a physician who ran a wellness resort in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Kellogg believed bland, plain foods could curb what he saw as unhealthy urges, especially among young patients.
He specifically designed corn flakes to suppress sexual desire, believing spicy or rich foods fueled it instead.
Kellogg was so committed to this idea that he also opposed meat, coffee, and anything considered stimulating.
His brother, Will Keith Kellogg, later added sugar to the recipe and turned it into a mass-market breakfast hit.
The company built on an anti-arousal diet plan is now one of the world's biggest cereal brands.
