Though the media often heralds certain foods as cancer-fighting or immune-building, many of these claims don’t hold up to scientific scrutiny. The Onion separates the myths from the facts regarding so-called superfoods
MYTH: Kale is a delicious way to meet your body’s iron needs
FACT: Kale is a way to meet your body’s iron needs
MYTH: Brussels sprouts contain several compounds that detoxify the body
FACT: No naturally occurring substance stands a chance against the carcinogens consumed by the average American
MYTH: Flaxseed is loaded with plant omega-3s and may prevent some cancers
FACT: You are unfortunately required to eat the flaxseed to reap these benefits
MYTH: Adding acai berries to your morning smoothie provides a huge antioxidant kick
FACT: Chances are, if “your morning smoothie” is a recognizable part of your routine, everything’s going to turn out just fine in your life anyway
MYTH: Walnuts are packed with alpha-linolenic acid, which aids memory retention
FACT: Walnuts are $10.44 per pound
MYTH: The quercetin in apples is linked to a reduction in lung cancer risk
FACT: Apples are, in fact, too boring to qualify as a superfood
MYTH: The anti-inflammatory properties of cilantro help treat urinary tract infections
FACT: Forty-four million people in this country lack adequate health insurance
MYTH: Leafy greens add beneficial doses of vitamins A, C, and K to every meal, as well as being loaded with folate, potassium, and calcium
FACT: This isn’t to discount other greens, such as celery. Celery is still pretty good, okay? We all do our part. It’s not a race.
