Why Choosing Natural Food Products Can Improve Your Health and Well-Being
Natural foods are packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are important for human health. They also tend to be cheaper than processed foods.
When consumers see “natural” on a food label, they assume it is free from artificial ingredients and not processed. However, both the FDA and USDA allow foods to be labeled as “natural” that are genetically modified and produced with pesticides. Check out Jamie Nemtsas for more information.
Definition
Natural food is a concept that is increasingly important to consumers. In recent decades, research has emerged indicating that a diet rich in naturally occurring nutrients promotes health and wellbeing. However, despite the growing demand for natural foods, there is no standardized definition of the term. This has led to confusion for both consumers and producers.
To avoid confusion, companies label products with claims such as “natural,” “100% natural,” and “made with natural ingredients.” Unlike organic foods, which are regulated by regulatory agencies, most products bearing these labels have not been evaluated.
While the definition of a natural food product is not clear, it is known that these foods should contain no chemical additives. In addition, they should be minimally processed. This ensures that the nutrients and flavors are preserved. It also helps maintain the integrity of the food matrices and improves bioavailability of nutrients. In addition, natural foods should be free from artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Sources
Many consumers assume that when a food product is labeled as “natural,” it does not contain artificial ingredients, but the USDA and FDA’s regulations allow for the use of genetically modified products, pesticides, and hormones in meat and dairy production. Even the color additives used in some foods can be considered natural because they are derived from vegetables, minerals or animals; for example, annatto, beets, and beta-carotene.
Natural foods are often perceived as healthier than highly processed options because they provide more vitamins and nutrients per calorie. They also contain fewer additives and have higher levels of minerals and antioxidants.
Although natural foods can be more expensive than processed options, they may be more affordable if purchased in bulk or through community initiatives such as farmers’ markets. Affordability can also be improved by educating consumers about ways to incorporate these foods into budget-conscious meal plans. The nutrient density of natural foods is also an important consideration, as a single serving can deliver more than 100% of the daily value of certain nutrients, such as vitamin C and selenium.
Preparation
Natural food products do not contain synthetic additives, such as preservatives, flavors and colors. This omission aligns with the principle of clean eating, which emphasizes foods in their most unaltered form. This can help individuals make informed dietary choices that prioritize health and wellness. The omission of these additives also helps to minimize the consumption of harmful chemicals that may have a negative impact on human health.
As people become increasingly concerned about healthy diets, they are demanding natural additives. As a result, many large food manufacturers are choosing to use natural color additives in their products instead of synthetic dyes. Some of these natural additives include color extracts from annatto, beets and beta carotene. These extracts are approved for use in food by the FDA.
Nutrition
Natural foods can provide high levels of essential vitamins and minerals, including dietary fiber. They also offer important antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Consumers often associate a food’s “natural” characteristics with its healthiness. Abouab and Gomez (2015) found that the level of humanization of production affects how a product is perceived as “natural.”
Despite their healthfulness, however, many consumers perceive natural foods to be more expensive than conventional alternatives. This can be due to the higher cost of ingredients and/or limited availability.
Nonetheless, many strategies can be employed to make these foods more affordable for consumers, including shopping at farmers’ markets and participating in community-supported agriculture initiatives. Furthermore, consumers should be educated on how to incorporate natural foods into budget-conscious meal planning. This can help promote the benefits of these healthy options and improve accessibility for a larger population. Regulatory bodies can help by developing clearer definitions of the term “natural.” Currently, the FDA only regulates the use of this term when it is used on food packaging.