In this fascinating, refreshingly clarifying book about food, food myths, and how sloppy science perpetuates misconceptions about food, a medical doctor on his way to a conference gets drawn into conversations that answer the following questions:

Does vitamin C prevent the common cold? And if it works, why does it only work in Canadian soldiers, ultramarathon runners, and skiers? Was red meat really declared a carcinogen by the WHO? Does that mean I should become a vegetarian? And who decides what gets labeled as red meat and white meat? Is salt really not that bad for you and did a group of researchers really want to experiment on prisoners to prove the point? Does coffee cause cancer or heart attacks? Why did a California court say coffee needed a warning label? Is red wine really good for your heart, and what makes the French Paradox such a paradox? Why did the New England Journal of Medicine link eating chocolate with winning a Nobel Prize? Why were eggs once bad for you but now good for you again? Does that mean I don’t need to worry about cholesterol? Should I be taking vitamin D?

Food myths and sloppy science perpetuate the many misconceptions about what we put (or don’t put) in our bodies. Dr. Labos takes the reader on a journey through coffee, vitamin C, red wine, salt, chocolate, eggs, and more to illuminate what we should really believe when it comes to food and our health.

“In a masterful way, Dr. Chris Labos takes us on a fascinating journey of discovery about the machinations of the scientific world. Chris doesn’t tell us what to think but how to think. And that is the essence of science! Tell everyone you know to run, not walk, to get a copy of Does Coffee Cause Cancer?” — Dr. Joe Schwarcz, Director, McGill University’s Office for Science and Society

“Not only is this book an engaging and entertaining read, but it will also make you a more informed and critical reader of health news. This is an ideal book for our misinformation-filled times. A must. Enjoy the read, perhaps with some coffee, wine, or chocolate!” — Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy

“Ignoring every headline you ever see about nutrition science is a pretty good plan. If you want to understand why, read this book.” — Yoni Freedhoff, Medical Director, Bariatric Medical Institute, Ottawa

“Part love story, part dietary myth-buster, Does Coffee Cause Cancer? is an excellent antidote to the scaremongering headlines talking up the dangers of everyday foodstuffs, especially for readers who don’t want to spend hours poring through scientific journals. Readers will be so effortlessly invested in the lives of its characters that they won’t even notice they’ve been learning the whole time.” — Michael Marshall, Editor, The Skeptic magazine

“When the first chapter begins by explaining p-hacking on the back of a boarding pass, I knew I would be hooked! Labos epitomizes the art of science communication and takes you on a journey that is part epidemiology, part history, with a good dash of romance. An absolutely brilliant and enjoyable read, deftly highlighting that science is hardly as straightforward as it seems. Gift this book to every person in your life who is just as conflicted about the latest food fad, but don’t be surprised when they emerge with new critical analysis skills and a healthy dose of skepticism!” — Sabina Vohra-Miller, Founder, Unambiguous Science blog

“In a concise, easy-to-read book filled with science, compassion, and humor, Dr. Labos examines the origins of food myths and how as scientists and eaters ourselves, we can all do better.” — Dr. Jonathan Howard, Chief of Neurology, Bellevue Hospital, author of We Want Them Infected

“Does Coffee Cause Cancer? deflates nine food-related myths in an entertaining and easy-to-follow manner. Who knew statistics could be so much fun?” — The Miramichi Reader

“I recommend you grab a coffee, your preferred chocolate, and some strawberries, and curl up with this informative and fun book, the characters of which you might just become attached to.” — AIPT Comics