Nutrition Information

Natural Foods Defined


With so many people concerned about natural and organic foods these days, it's useful to stop and really take a look at what "natural" and "organic" foods really are. We all know that natural and organic foods are better for us than highly processed or artificial foods, but do we really know which foods are natural and organic? When you buy food that is labeled "natural," what does that really mean? What about "organic"?

It turns out that the term "natural" doesn't mean all that much. Because it's only been broadly defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it's a fairly arbitrary term, the meaning of which is left up to the conscience of the food manufacturer. The FDA says that any food can be labeled as natural so long as it doesn't include added color, synthetic substances or artificial flavors.

This definition sounds good-until you realize that it can be stretched to include such definitely non-natural substances such as aspartame, the artificial sweetener. More liberal food manufacturers argue that "natural" means any material that exists in nature. While aspartame does not exist in nature (you have to use a chemical process to create it), manufacturers say that the resulting product is made up of two amino acids, both of which do exist in nature. Never mind that they don't exist glued together as aspartame!

So what can the savvy nutritionally-conscious consumer do about this? Go with a term that is clearly defined and regulated by the FDA: organic. In the next issue we'll delve into the intricacies of organic foods, including basic regulations and differing levels of organic production. In the meantime, avoid foods that are only labeled as "natural" and go for those labeled "organic" or "natural and organic." It's the real stuff.

About The Author

Stephanie Yeh and her partner have helped many other people achieve and experience prosperity with the help of a strong 15 year network marketing business. Her current project, the Journeyman Wealth Program, is aimed at helping 15 people a year fully achieve their dreams. Stephanie's Prosperity Abounds website works on the basic principle that "You are the creator of your own reality!". Get more details on her website at http://www.prosperity-abounds.com.

info@prosperity-abounds.com


MORE RESOURCES:

March is National Nutrition Month
Vineland Daily Journal
March is National Nutrition Month, and the American Dietetic Association's theme is ...
ASDAH Encourages Communities to Ease Food Fears During National Nutrition MonthPR Web (press release)

all 3 news articles »


Bringing awareness to your nutrition
Stamford Times
Being in the health industry, we get questions all the time on nutrition. We deal with many young athletes and we know that they face many ...

and more »


KGMI

Senator proposes $4.5 billion for child nutrition
Washington Post (blog)
Senate Agriculture Committee chairwoman Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) unveiled a bill to reauthorize child nutrition programs. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act ...
Bill provides $4.5 billion more for child nutritionThe Packer
Industry Backs New School Nutrition StandardsMediapost.com
US Sen. Harkin: Harkin, Lincoln, Woolsey announce national school nutrition ...IowaPolitics.com (press release)
Reuters -NWAOnline (subscription) -Food Processing
all 74 news articles »


New exhibit teaches kids about nutrition
Quad City Times
“When you say nutrition (to kids), right away you hit a wall,” Lear said. “But this makes it fun.” With interactive computer games, videos and trivia, ...



Is the British Nutrition Foundation having its cake and eating it too?
Independent
The British Nutrition Foundation, established more than 40 years ago, advises the Government, schools, industry, health professionals and the public. ...

and more »


Fuel for the road
Boston Globe
Samuel N. Cheuvront, a research physiologist who specializes in fluid balance and sports nutrition at the Army lab in Natick, says the need for hydration is ...



Stem Cell Nutrition Enhancers Supports the Natural Renewal System of the ...
I-Newswire.com (press release)
The stem cell nutrition supplement - a natural aquabotanical extract, is a breakthrough patented product that supports the natural release of your own adult ...

and more »


Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle go hand-in-hand
Calgary Herald
The foods that people choose to eat will influence their energy levels, mood and overall well-being. There is no doubt about the direct correlation between ...



Los Angeles Times

California Food Stamp Use Low
The Epoch Times
This is the most recent year data is available for the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps. ...
California's food stamp participation rate is nation's second-lowestLos Angeles Times
Food stamps filling more pantriesMyrtle Beach Sun News
Food stamp rolls growing deeperCharlotteObserver.com

all 7 news articles »


'Food Revolution' visit to Huntington to air this week
Charleston Gazette
Area health experts and school officials say they are working to improve child nutrition and fight childhood obesity. In West Virginia schools, ...

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006