July 30, 2008 > Book Review: Food Synergy Secrets Book Review: Food Synergy Secrets By Mona Shah If there were a way to reach a higher level of health, wouldn't you want to know more about it? If improved eating habits gave you extra cancer protection and reduced your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes, would you want to know about it then? Evidence is mounting that certain components in the food we eat and drink interact to provide extra disease protection and a higher level of health. This advanced nutrition science is called "food synergy." Many are so focused on the health benefits of particular vitamins or nutrients that a crucial link between them is overlooked. Just as different components within a single food can work together to maximize health benefits, nutrients of different foods, when combined, can produce amazing results. For many years, the science of nutrition has focused on specific pieces of the puzzle instead of a holistic approach. Food Synergy organizes examples of food synergy suggested in research and shows its readers how to put the power of food synergy into action. The following are a few examples of food synergy cited: Tomatoes & Broccoli In a study of male rats given prostate tumor cell implants, this combination was more effective at slowing prostate tumor growth than either by itself (). Apples - eat the peel The phytochemicals in apple flesh seems to work best with the phytochemicals in the peel to reduce the risk of cancer. Much of an apple's anticancer properties are hidden in the peel. Don't peel tomatoes, cook them and add some olive oil! Ninety-eight percent of the flavonols (powerful phytochemicals) in tomatoes are found in the skin along with great amounts of two carotenoids. Absorption of these key nutrients is much greater when tomatoes are cooked and combined with "smart fat" (like olive oil).