Real maple syrup may contain more disease-fighting antioxidants than raw broccoli or tomatoes, according to a press release from the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. Sure, they're biased, but they do cite antioxidant figures from the Université du Québec à Montréal and the USDA.

"A 60 ml serving (1/4 cup) of maple syrup has moderate antioxidant capacity, comparable to that of a serving of broccoli or a banana," says dietitian Marie Breton.

My advice? Keep eating your broccoli, tomatoes and bananas, folks. But if you're looking for an excuse to whip up some waffles this weekend, you've got one now. Just be sure to make them with whole-grain flour and top them with lots of antioxidant-rich berries, not just syrup.