Superfoods

24 Dec

Raw Cacao or Dark Chocolate

Raw cacao or dark chocolate is recognized as a superfood because of its powerful antioxidant benefits, cancer protection and many beneficial vitamins. There are multiple purposes behind partaking in this delicious dark chocolate. There are commonly recognized negative consequences associated with eating excess, processed dark or milk chocolate; these consequences include diabetes, weight gain and tooth decay. These negative consequences are the result of the addition of excess sugar, dairy and fillers that are added to the chocolate during the cooking process. But, these negative consequences are simply not an issue for individuals enjoying raw cacao or dark chocolate. The health benefits associated with partaking in raw cacao actually include weight loss, healthy teeth and regulated blood sugar.

Raw cacao fruit

History Behind Dark Chocolate

The scientific name for cacao is Theobroma. The popularity and value of this super food goes back to ancient times. The earliest documentation of the use of the cacao bean goes back to 1100 BC. The Maya and Aztec cultures used the dark chocolate as currency, and it was used in their religious events as an offering to the gods. Today, the majority of the world’s crop of cacao chocolate is produced in West Africa. These sensitive trees are able to grow in a limited geographical zone. This delicious, natural sweetener has continuously grown in popularity around the world, and it is utilized in many deserts and sweets. The most popular chocolate is processed with the addition of dairy and sugar; however, this delicious dark chocolate is highly beneficial when eaten in its raw, natural form. The raw cacao bean is recognized in the health arena as a super food.

English: Dark chocolate. Español: Chocolate negro. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Multiple Benefits of Raw Cacao

Multiple health benefits are associated with eating raw cacao. The dark chocolate preserves antioxidants and provides an unlimited resource of valuable nutrients. Some of the many benefits include:

• Cardiovascular benefits include relaxation for the heart. Raw dark chocolate provides multiple benefits to the cardiovascular system.
• The highest source of magnesium available in a food.
• The oxidants found in dark chocolate have been clinically proven to dissolve the buildup plaque found in the arteries of the heart.
• Naturally reverses heart disease.
• Naturally lowers blood pressure.
• Generates total body health.
• Regulates blood sugar through the natural ingredient chromium.
• Increases serotonin levels and produces a healthy good mood.
• Provides Omega 6 fatty acids, which play an important role in brain function, bone health, skin and hair growth and a healthy reproductive system.
• Excellent source of vitamin C, which provides a strengthened immune system, detoxification, balances stress levels and destroys harmful bacteria and viruses.
• Weight loss.
• Fights free radicals.
• Reduce cholesterol levels.

The Nutrients and Vitamins Found in Dark Chocolate

• Magnesium
• Copper
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6
• Zinc
• Sulfur
• Vitamin C
• Iron
• Vitamin E
• Calcium
• Omega six
• Antioxidants
• Soluble fiber
• Phosphorus
• And more

The Best Way to Enjoy Raw Cacao

Eating raw chocolate can be done without feeling any guilt or remorse. This chocolate is not a junk food, but rather a health food. It does not include white sugar, and it is unprocessed. In its natural, unadulterated state, it is extremely rich in valuable nutrients. The unique flavor is exquisite and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• Crunch the bean between your fingers in order to loosen and remove the peel.
• This delicious bean can be sweetened with a natural sweetener, such as vanilla powder.
• Each bean is protected by a thin shell. Simply remove the shell and dip it in agave nectar for a tasty and delicious treat.
• Eat them whole or grind them in a food processor or coffee grinder. The freshly ground beans can be sprinkled over yogurt, added to smoothies, teas, desserts or to any delicate dish that calls for the delicious flavor of raw chocolate.
• When eating them alone, chew them thoroughly to enjoy the maximized flavor.
• Freeze the beans with agave or honey and eat cold.
• Grind the beans into a powder and mix with coconut oil for a flavorful chocolate sauce. This sauce can be used in cookie recipes, brownies and other baked goods.

In order to reap the multiple benefits of this super food, you should enjoy one to ten tablespoons of cocoa powder daily. Raw chocolate cacao beans provide nutrition in its purest form. This healthy snack is a gluten-free, natural way to improve your health, increase your antioxidant levels and boost your immune system. Enjoy the exquisite flavoring of crushed cacao beans over yogurt, in a variety of baked recipes, in fresh agave nectar or simply enjoy crunching on the delightfully, delicious bean straight from the shell.

02 Oct

Superfoods: What Are They and Why Are They Called Superfoods?

The term “Superfood” is often used when talking about nutrition and health. It was first mentioned by Aaron Moss in the August 1998 edition of his Journal entitled, Nature Nutrition. In the journal, he stated that “Humans have many options when it comes to fueling their bodies, but the benefits of some options are so nutritious that they might be labeled as superfoods”. In this context, superfood refers to certain groups of food that offer us great concentrations of unique nutrients that provide us with many different health benefits.

So What Exactly are the Criteria – When Can You Label a Food as a Superfood?

Well, foods worthy to be called superfoods contain high concentrations of antioxidants, minerals , vitamins and unique compounds such as phytonutrients, polysaccharides and essential fats.

Some of these attributes exist in almost all superfoods. The nutrients and antioxidants in superfoods are usually present in extreme amounts when they are raw and uncooked and compared to other “ordinary” foods. Another quality of a superfoods is that they it can be a part of our regular diet. We can usually eat them as much as we want and as often as we want without worrying about dosage and adverse side effects.

Benefits of Consuming Superfoods

A few well known benefits of consuming superfoods on a regular basis primarily include optimal nutrition without overeating, aiding the body to detoxify and cleanse itself from potentially harmful toxins, and helping the body to rebuild itself. When these primary benefits from superfoods take place, secondary benefits follow, which include healthy, radiant skin, beautiful hair, weight loss, fit body, reduced risks to chronic illnesses and premature aging.

A Few Superfood Examples

One of the most common examples of superfoods are blueberries. They contain moderate concentrations of anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber.

Other well-known superfoods include goji berries, raspberries, raw cacao, broccoli, spinach, pumpkin, nuts, the lycopene-rich tomatoes, spirulina, whole grains, fish oil and superfruits like avocados. Each of the foods mentioned contain their own array of unique and remarkable nutrients and compounds. Fortunately, superfoods exist in most food groups. You can find them amidst the wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as in some species of seaweed.

If you make these foods a part of your regular diet you will feel healthier & stronger so give them a try.

30 Sep

Anti-Aging Minerals

The Baby Boomer generation has turned into a growing market for any products that can be construed as anti-aging. So the makers of nutritional supplements are presenting many of their products in a new way to entice that market into buying. Vitamins and minerals that were once advertised as being essential to the health of a growing child and young adult are now being touted as anti-aging minerals and vitamins that are essential to not only slow down aging but to start feeling healthier and young again.

Fortunately, this is not just a marketing ploy. It is true that minerals are essential for good health as we age and do help to slow down the aging process and help us to maintain good health. But minerals are largely overlooked in the diet of Americans. In fact nutritional reports often speak of “mineral starvation”. A doctor at the National Academy of Science puts a lot of emphasis on minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous as being essential in order to properly use all of the body-building proteins that we eat. Dr. Cannon’s research team has found out that without enough potassium in the diet, congestive heart failure could be a result.

Minerals and proteins are actually more important than vitamins in our diet. But vitamins seem to get all of the attention. There are probably many more people taking vitamin supplements than the individual minerals they need, especially after they age of 40. Minerals along with protein are the main things required for good nutrition. Not that vitamins are not required as well. They are responsible for activating the minerals we take.

The Benefits of Minerals

The following are examples of essential minerals that the body needs and what their benefits are:

CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM

Many Americans, especially women, don’t get enough calcium. But there is that group who take too much calcium. While it is important for maintaining strong bones it is not the only mineral that is involved with bone density. Calcium should be taken with magnesium at a ration of about 2 to 1. This makes the calcium more effective. Magnesium helps the body absorb the calcium and can protect the heart if sudden changes in blood pressure occur.

ZINC

Zinc helps in supporting the enzyme function in the body. It can keep your immune system as well as cardiovascular system stay healthy.

BORON

Boron is a trace mineral that helps the body better metabolize all minerals that we eat or take as supplements. It is also important in the function of the membranes of cells. Like magnesium and calcium, it is valuable part of bone health. It helps the body absorb and retain calcium. For men, Boron also plays a part in the regulation of levels of testosterone.

Side Effects of Mineral Supplements

A few mineral supplements do have side effects, but they are usually related to taking too much. For instance, there is such a thing as zinc overdose. A dosage of 40 milligrams of zinc is considered to be safe by FDA. Anything more than that can be dangerous.

Can You Get the Right Amount of Minerals from Diet?

While it is true that essential minerals like these and other such as potassium, phosphorous, and selenium can be found in small quantities in the food we eat, food sources don’t usually provide the amount we need. In fact, agricultural scientists believe that our croplands are so depleted of important minerals that it is contributing to poor nutrition in our country.

Other Uses for Anti-Aging Minerals

The use of anti-aging minerals has even made it into the cosmetics industry. Minerals taken from the floor of the Dead Sea like Bromine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iodine, boron, and iron have been included in a variety of skin care products. These minerals are usually combined with herbal extracts, essential oils, and combinations of vitamins that contain anti-oxidants.

30 Sep

The Benefits of Anti Ageing Foods

Though we all grow older, not everyone wants to deal with the side effects of aging: wrinkles, blotches, or sagging skin. What many people do not know is that if you eat the right foods, you will not have to deal with such issues. The antioxidants in anti ageing foods will help you look and feel your very best. This means you will not have to resort to plastic surgery or try dangerous methods of staying youthful. Super foods are full of natural nutrients that keep people’s energy levels high, overall health and nutrition on the up and up, and wrinkles at bay. The following are just some of the many anti ageing foods you can include in your diet to keep your skin looking its very best.

You don’t have to eat bland food to stay youthful. For example, avocado is one of the best anti ageing foods you can consume. The vitamin E in this food is something that sparks cell growth or rejuvenation and nourishes the skin. A solid dose of avocado in your life will make your skin smooth and soft. It is also helps to keep bad cholesterols out of the body and is a solid way to gain rich potassium, which in turn will prevent fluid retention.

Many studies have reported that including a clove of garlic into one’s diet can help the individual fight heart disease and will keep the skin looking radiant. Similarly, ginger root is a great item to include in one’s diet because it helps keep the circulatory system up and running.

Fruits are notorious for containing rich antioxidants that will keep the body’s metabolism pumping and your skin hydrated. Berries like black berries and grapes are particularly great to include in your diet. Watermelon is a solid addition because it has rich nutrients like vitamins A, B, E, and C plus zinc and much, much more.

If you want to look as young as you feel, then you should try to include nuts in your diet. These are a great snack or a great addition to one’s morning yogurt or afternoon salad. Everything from walnuts and pecans to peanuts and pistachios is rich in such items as iron, potassium, and magnesium, plus more. The nut family helps improve one’s digestive system, too, which in turn helps the body’s immune system and metabolism.

And of course, water is one of the easiest additions to one’s diet and one of the best ways to prevent wrinkles, improve one’s digestive system, and to stay healthy. Try to consume at least eight glasses of water a day and one will be able to flush the body of toxins, hydrate the skin, and give the body the water it needs to function. Similarly, all-natural juices such as tomato or apple juice are a great way to increase water intake plus receive the vitamins one may need.

Anti Ageing Foods Diet

Making diet changes is not as difficult as you might think. All you need to do is think about how to slip such super foods into each of your meals or to include them as snacks. Once you try including anti ageing foods in your diet, you will start to look and feel your very best. This is a long term investment that will give your skin a youthful glow. The only risk to such foods is to eat too much of one food. Try to broaden your diet so that it is balanced and rich. Too much of one thing is never good. Instead, be smart about your nutrition choices to give your skin and body everything it needs. The natural antioxidants not only help prevent wrinkles, they also help increase your overall health and life expectancy!

30 Sep

Super Green Foods

These days, it is difficult to go anywhere without being reminded of the necessity of eating healthy. As we continue to be bombarded by fast food where more emphasis is placed on making it as cheap as possible than trying to make it in any way healthy, and the trend in home cooking is toward prepared meals using preservatives and artificial flavors, it is becoming more important for individuals to take steps on their own to ensure that they get healthy foods into their diet. Fortunately, doctors have identified a number of super green foods that are extremely healthy and provide numerous nutritional benefits. Unlike other green foods such as vegetables, these items are grasses and grains that can be served as ingredients in a meal. Increasingly, men and women are finding the benefits of taking dietary supplements including these organic products to obtain the benefits to their health without having to work them into an everyday diet.

Wheatgrass

One example of these perfect food products is wheatgrass. When broken down nutritionally, wheatgrass consists of over twenty percent protein. This makes it an excellent supplement for people who need more protein in their diet, which includes a significant portion of the population. It has been used as an organic supplement for people suffering from low energy problems. Some people with gluten allergies who have restrictions on the wheat products they can eat think that they are not allowed to take wheatgrass supplements. This is not true, however. Wheatgrass does not contain the gluten that wheat grains have, making it perfectly safe for gluten allergists.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is another one of the super foods, a nutritional heavy hitter that is seeing increased popularity as a dietary supplement. It has been discovered as a natural cholesterol reducer and has been shown to reduce atherosclerotic plaque when added to the diets of monkeys, making it potentially helpful for people suffering from clogging arteries. One doctor listed the organs that are assisted by the inclusion of alfalfa in a diet as including the kidney, the liver, the prostate, the digestive organs and the reproductive organs.

Green tea

Another green superfood that is showing up in guidelines for improved dietary health is green tea. Green tea has been shown to have cancer-fighting effects. This is because green tea is full of a number of items that can not only attack cancer cells at the molecular level, but can offer protection to the DNA of healthy cells in the body, preventing them from getting cancerous. Green tea is also believed to have benefits in cardiovascular health as well, and is also listed as helping with a laundry list of concerns, including dental health, skin care, and osteoporosis.

These and other super green nutritional aids are gaining momentum in the dietary supplement industry as a natural alternative to chemical additives that may do more harm than good in the long run. Nutritional experts everywhere agree that adding natural ingredients into your food and dietary supplements is vital to improving your long-term resistance to disease and overall heath. By adding these and other super green foods to your dietary intake, you can ensure that you too reap the benefits of an increasingly green diet.

30 Sep

Superfoods List

While there are many foods that contain benefits for a person’s health, certain foods are commonly referred to as “superfoods” because they contain multiple beneficial properties and are especially dense in nutrients. A superfood may be good for metabolism and weight loss, may help with digestion, may be good for the heart and blood pressure, may help to prevent disease and may even help to improve mood and concentration. Often, the items included on a superfoods list will boast a combination of these benefits.

So, without further ado, here is a list of seven popular, easily attainable super foods:

1. Beans

According to Dr. Perricone, who regularly appears on Oprah, “Beans are extremely beneficial in an anti-diabetes diet because they rank low on the glycemic scale…” meaning that they help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. For anyone, diabetic or not, beans provide an excellent source of fiber and protein while remaining low in fat. Beans come in a variety of options, including: black, pinto, kidney, garbanzo, soy, navy and many more. They are found in the cooking of almost every culture around the world and are extremely versatile in their recipe options.

2. Yogurt

Yogurt contains naturally occurring probiotics, which are excellent for digestion and overall health. Yogurt also contains calcium, which is good for bones and may prevent the onset of osteoporosis, and contains protein, b-vitamins, potassium and magnesium.

3. Salmon

In 2002, the American Heart Association recommended eating 2 servings of fish per week. Salmon is relatively low in fat when compared to most meats, and is an excellent source of protein and fatty acids. Canned salmon is an inexpensive alternative when fresh salmon isn’t in the budget or widely available.

4. Broccoli

This green vegetable is an excellent source of calcium, vitamins a and c and fiber, which aids in digestion and weight loss. Eating a variety of green vegetables is believed to keep your heart healthy and aid in cancer prevention.

5. Dark Chocolate

The cocoa found in dark chocolate is an excellent source of antioxidants and caffeine, which can stimulate endorphins and improve mood as well as concentration.

6. Green tea

It is widely known that green tea has powerful antioxidants and naturally occurring caffeine, which, like chocolate, aids in energy and concentration. Some studies have also shown that people who drank green tea lost more weight than their counterparts who followed the same diet but did not drink green tea.

7. Avocados

This nutrient dense fruit is delicious as well as good for you! Avocados contain the healthy, monosaturated fats, which are known to promote “good” cholesterol. They are also high in fiber and contain potassium and magnesium.

While superfoods are often recognized for being packed with the above benefits, it is still advisable to include them in an overall balanced diet, which includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins.

In addition to being healthy, these foods are delicious and easy to prepare and enjoy. Best of all, the items on this superfoods list are readily available in the aisles of a store near you.

30 Sep

Benefits of Whole Food Vitamins

Whole food vitamins are one of the best supplement choices that an individual can make for their health because these vitamins are made from actual food and not from synthetically formulated chemicals manufactured in a lab. Recent studies have shown that supplements made from real food are more easily absorbed by the body and contributes greatly to the individuals overall nutrition. The continued depletion of our natural food supply has made natural vitamins not only an important addition to our lifestyles, but also a necessary addition to our modern lifestyles.

The Importance Of Whole Food Vitamins

Whole food vitamins are important because they contribute not only natural vitamins, but they also contribute a number of other substances that are important to our health. These substances are found naturally in food and can’t be obtained through a daily multivitamin or any other supplement for that matter. One of these these important substances are a little thing called probiotics. While vitamins are very important to the proper health of an individual, probiotics are also necessary because they provide the “friendly bacteria” that our body needs in order to properly digest and assimilate the nutrients from food.

Another benefit of whole food vitamins is that they provide a full spectrum of nutrients to the consumer. Recent scientific research has clearly shown that the human body is not designed to absorb isolated vitamins and minerals. The human body is designed to absorb nutrients in full spectrum. Let me give you an example:

If a person eats an orange they are not only getting vitamin C, but they are also getting a full spectrum of other nutrients that allow the vitamin C to be properly absorbed. A person taking vitamin C by itself does not get the supporting nutrients that allow them to properly absorb this nutrient. The whole food vitamin does give the consumer the supporting spectrum of vitamins that are needed to properly absorb it.

Why Take Whole Food Vitamins, Why Not Just Eat Normal Food?

Tomatoes are a source of lycopene

Now I know that many of you may be asking why you shouldn’t just eat the right food and not bother with the whole food supplements (by the way – check out the definition of whole foods – what foods are considered as whole foods). While it is certainly preferable to get your nutritional needs met in this way, it is often not very practical. Once again, let me give you an example:

To get your daily dose of lycopene you would have to consume ten tomatoes each and every day. Even if you could do that, it wouldn’t be very practical would it? But what if those tomatoes were dried ground up and placed in pill form? It would certainly be easier and that is the premise behind whole food vitamins. They allow you to meet your nutritional needs without excessive calories or having to eat an enormous amount of food.

The Price – How Expensive Are They?

When people hear the words “whole food vitamins” or “organic vitamins” one of their initial concerns is that the product will be prohibitively expensive. Whole food vitamins are generally slightly more expensive than synthetic vitamins due to the manufacturing process takes longer to extract the essential nutrients from the food. But it is not prohibitively expensive and the consumer can rest assured that they are receiving a product that has higher purity standards and nutritional value than regular, over the counter vitamins.

In our hectic, fast paced society it is becoming quite clear that more and more people are turning to whole food vitamins to ensure that their nutritional needs are met and their health is protected against the various diseases that are caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

30 Sep

Resveratrol Health Benefits

Resveratrol, which is found in red wine as well as other food products, is a phytoalexin which is found in various plants. The compound is known for its anti-aging capabilities and acts as an anti-inflammatory compound as well as an antioxidant which increases the body’s energy and lowers the level of sugar in the blood. Because of the positive effects of resveratrol, pills have been created which contain a much higher concentration of the compound then is found in wine. Because of this, it is possible to reap the benefits of the compound without having to consume large amounts of wine or other resveratrol containing plants.

Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes.

Where Can You Find Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is primarily found in red wine as well as in the skin of red grapes, cranberries, and blueberries. Small amounts are also found in peanuts. Plants produce the compound in reaction to the attack of fungi or bacteria in order to defend the plant. Typically, resveratrol supplements are composed of extracts of Japanese knotweed which provides the user with thousands of servings of the compound.

Resveratrol was first found in the 1940s in the roots of the plant, Veratrum grandiflorum, and was discovered later in 1976 in red grapes and in 1992, in wine.

Health Benefits

With research, the compound has been shown to prevent cancer in addition to acting as an anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-fungal drug. Being a relatively new supplement, very little testing has been performed on humans although research in animals has proved to be quite successful. Its effects have led to resveratrol being labeled “The Fountain of Youth” due to its documented ability to slow down the aging process. The compound has also been shown to demonstrate anti-carcinogenic as well as weight loss properties. This is accomplished by the stimulation of a gene which limits the storage of fat as well as delays the process of aging.

Side Effects

Red wine is one of the main sources of resveratrol

There have been a few side effects that some have reported although these did not occur in the majority of resveratrol supplement users. One of these side effects is diarrhea although this has been shown to occur in individuals who take low quality supplements in large doses. People who took higher quality supplements did not report experiencing these symptoms. The diarrhea is not actually caused by the resveratrol but, instead, by the emodin which is also found in the supplements as a filler.

Another side effect which has been documented is pain in the joints as well as Achilles tendinitis. Along with diarrhea, this is not caused by the resveratrol itself but by the copper which is also present in the supplement. The last side effect, the reasons for which have not been documented, is insomnia and accompanying anxiety which some individuals reported feeling after taking the pills. Individuals compared the feeling to that experienced after consuming large amounts of caffeine.

Consult With Your Physician

One thing to keep in mind when deciding to take resveratrol supplements is whether or not other prescription medications are being taken. When combined with these drugs, the supplements may lead to blood thinning due to the anti-inflammatory abilities of the compound especially if other blood thinning drugs are being taken.

Before taking resveratrol supplementation, it is important to consult with the physician. Many of the side effects which have been reported are completely anecdotal without any scientific proof based on research. Even those anecdotal side effects have only been reported in those who have taken very high doses, usually of low quality supplements.

Therefore, if one were to ensure that they solely took high quality resveratrol supplements, then the side effects would be minimal if any were present at all. Based upon evidence, the benefits of resveratrol far outweigh the potential side effects.

30 Sep

Superfoods For Super Health – Which Foods Are Superfoods?

Many people wonder which foods are the most nutritious and which foods to consume on a regular basis to improve health. The answer is simple: Superfoods.

As the saying goes, you really are what you eat.

A superfood is any food that is living, rich in vitamins, minerals, high in fiber, low in calories and produces an alkaline pH in the body, as disease cannot survive when the body is in an alkaline state.

So which foods are superfoods?

Here is a simple guideline to follow:

Living, whole foods are the most nutritional and most easily digested foods because of the enzymes they possess. Basically all fresh fruits and vegetables when eaten raw are living foods, with living enzymes and have high nutritional value, especially if they are grown in organic soil. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain lots of fiber, are low in calories, have many vitamins and minerals, are high in anti-oxidants, and almost all produce an alkaline pH in the body, thus helping to combat disease.

A good guideline to follow with fruits and vegetables is to try to consume as many different colors as possible.

For example:

Red fruits and vegetable superfoods are pink grapefruit, tomatoes, red bell peppers, and watermelon. The red varieties contain lycopene, a substance that has been praised for its many cancer fighting properties, especially prostate cancer in men.

The purple variety contains concord grapes, blueberries, red cabbage, and prunes. All of these contain high amounts of antioxidants and help reduce heart disease.

In the green shade, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, bok choy and kale are good choices, as they contain lutein, folate and sulforaphane which has been shown to reduce heart disease and macular degeneration by aiding the body in detoxification.

In orange shades, carrots, mango, pumpkin, and oranges work well. The orange superfoods contain beta-carotene which fortifies the lungs, esophagus, stomach, eyesight, and helps boost the immune system.

Whites contain cauliflower, mushrooms, bananas, onions and garlic. These foods contain high amounts of allicin and anthoxanthins which aid in keeping blood pressure low and help balance the “good” bacteria in the digestive tract. Proper digestion is a key to good health as many maladies in the body originate in the intestines.

The benefits of eating living, whole, superfoods are immense. So get over to the produce section and make as many meals as colorful as you can.

30 Sep

What Are Whole Foods?

Consumers trying to select healthier food items often confront some ambiguous terms as they pursue a better lifestyle and diet: whole, vegetarian, raw, and organic. While all these terms represent healthier choices, there are crucial differences between them and different reasons for pursuing each food type.

The Buzz about Whole Foods – What Are They?

In general, whole foods usually refers to food that:

1) includes most edible parts of the food,

2) is minimally processed, and

3) contains no artificial chemicals or preservatives.

These foods are as close to their “whole” or natural state as possible.

Consuming more whole foods can have a wide range of benefits, including providing more vitamins and minerals, slowing down the aging processes, improving insulin levels, and increasing a person’s sense of well being.

A good example of a whole food is whole wheat. Whole wheat includes the bran, endosperm and germ. This is in contrast to a product like Wonder® Bread, which only contains the endosperm from the wheat, and adds such frightening ingredients as high fructose corn syrup, diglycerides, and diammonium phosphate. Unfortunately, the FDA has not officially defined what constitutes a “whole food”. To reduce confusion, it may be helpful to compare the term to other related health terms.

Whole Foods vs. Vegetarian Foods

Vegetarian foods are simply foods produced without any animal parts, except for certain dairy products. Frequently, consumers follow a vegetarian diet for ethical and spiritual reasons, as well as health reasons. Like a vegetarian diet, a whole foods diet usually has an emphasis on whole grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. However, a whole foods diet may also include minimally processed meats. Furthermore, a vegetarian diet may contain certain processed foods, like refined sugars.

Whole Foods vs. Raw Foods

If a whole foods diet contains minimally processed foods, a raw foods diet takes it to the next level and eliminates cooking all foods. The basic idea behind eating raw foods is that cooking simply destroys too many nutrients, especially vitamins and enzymes. More vitamins and enzymes make it easier for the body to properly digest foods. All raw foods are whole foods, but all whole foods are not necessarily raw. Furthermore, many times a raw food diet is also vegetarian, but not necessarily.

Whole Foods vs. Organic Foods

“Organic foods” is the only term that is legally regulated. Organic foods must be certified organic and grown without conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, radiation, sewage sludge, or bioengineering. Beyond that classification, there are no further health considerations. A farmer can produce organic refined sugar, which can then be processed into high-priced organic candy. Organic foods are not necessarily whole foods, and whole foods are not necessarily organic.