Consumer Reports: Some superfoods more super hype

Experts examine claims of better health

SAN ANTONIO – Whether you want to quit a bad habit or start a healthy one, New Year’s resolutions abound this time of year. And if eating well is one of yours, you may think adding in handful of superfoods will make all the difference. But watch out: Consumer Reports reveals some superfoods are not super at all. 

Take apple cider vinegar. There are claims that if you drink it regularly, it will lower cholesterol, help weight loss and fight heartburn. But Consumer Reports says such claims are overblown. And in some cases, they say overdoing it on apple cider vinegar has been shown to damage the esophagus. 

Other foods that may be over-hyped? Bone broth,  otherwise known as stock,  has been touted as a way to fight inflammation and make skin look younger. The new “it” fat, coconut oil, has been claimed to prevent Alzheimer’s. And turmeric is said to be powerful enough to destroy tumors.

Not so fast.

Consumer Reports says more proof is needed.

Consumer Reports says it's best to eat whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. 

And in case you were wondering: No need to give up on trendy kale. But add in brussel sprouts, broccoli and cabbage -- they’re also jam packed with nutrients.

Some claims hold up: ginger has been found to be an effective remedy for nausea.


About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.