This book presents research findings about 50 foods that are commonly touted as healthy and educates readers about the medical problems they purportedly alleviate or help prevent. It is always in the best interest of those who market foods to make grandiose claims regarding their nutritional value, regardless of whether actual scientific proof exists to support such a claim. Even diligent and educated consumers often have difficulty discerning facts from mere theory or pure marketing hype. As the incidence of childhood obesity in the United States continues to increase at an alarming rate and food costs skyrocket, this book arrives at a perfect time for health-conscious consumers, providing an authoritative reference for anyone looking to make wise eating decisions at home, work, school, or in restaurants. Healthy Foods: Fact versus Fiction is the result of a collaborative effort between a medical doctor and an award-winning journalist and author on nutrition. This book provides actual research findings to shed light on the true benefits of the most popular health foods—and in some cases, debunk misconceptions surrounding certain foods. Includes 50 topics covering the most popular health foods, such as blueberries, buckwheat, and capers Comprises the exhaustive research of a physician and an acclaimed independent scholar and writer 50 photographs are provided to illustrate each type of food A glossary containing hundreds of entries explains common terms such as "protein" and "antioxidant" as well as medical terminology like "gastric dysrhythmia"