Unmasking Superfoods: The Truth and Hype About Acai, Quinoa, Chia, Blueberries and More

The science of nutrition is complex—eating shouldn’t be

It can be overwhelming and frustrating to try to understand the claims about “superfoods.” Do raspberry ketones really help you lose weight? Do blueberries really fight cancer? Are goji berries worth a try? For over five years, Jennifer Sygo has been separating the truth from the hype in her popular column in the National Post. Now in her first book, she tackles even more superfoods and in more depth. You’ll learn why

• the calcium in kale is absorbed as well as the calcium in milk
• lentils, chickpeas and beans are not just good for you; when cultivated, they also put important nutrients back into the soil
• goji, acai and noni berries may be more hype than substance
• xylitol, a sugar alcohol with a third fewer calories than sugar, could actually help prevent cavities and even ear infections
• people who eat avocadoes tend to weigh less than those who don’t
• beets might help you run faster—and maybe even perform better in bed

In Unmasking Superfoods, Sygo discusses the latest research on the most popular superfoods and offers recommendations on how—or if—you should incorporate these foods into your diet.

The science of nutrition is complex—eating shouldn’t be

Do blueberries fight cancer?

Are goji berries worth a try?

It can be frustrating and overwhelming to try to understand the claims about “superfoods,” especially when there seem to be new ones every week. In Unmasking Superfoods, nutritionist and dietitian Jennifer Sygo separates the truth from the hype with the latest research on the most popular superfoods. She shows you which ones to skip, which ones to choose and how to incorporate them into your diet. As well as finding out the truth about coconut oil, saturated fat and heart health, you’ll also learn why

• the calcium in kale is absorbed as well as the calcium in milk
• lentils, chickpeas and beans are not just good for you; when cultivated, they also put important nutrients back into the soil
• goji, açaí and noni berries may be more hype than substance
• beef and cheese can be good for you
• people who eat avocadoes tend to weigh less than those who don’t
• beets might help you run faster—and maybe even perform better in bed