With more people taking an interested in healthier eating and how food is produced, making the best choice can be hard. Organic foods are going mainstream now and the choices are unlimited. We are what we eat, so eating healthy foods are important. Knowing what to look for in terms of truly healthy foods and the impact of production and the earth can be tough. Here are a few terms that will make selecting the best foods easier.
Organics
Organic foods are a great healthy choice for many reasons. Not only is ofganic food better for our health it is better for the ecological system. Organic produce is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. Organic produce also never uses genetic engineering.
Organic meat and dairy livestock are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. They are also raised on organic feeds. Organic farming promotes healthy soils and the conservation of water. This helps to keep chemicals from the air water and earth.
Organic foods are available at many grocery stores, health food stores, food co-ops, and farmers markets. These foods range from vegetables, meats, dairy, baby food, herbs, drinks, ect. Almost any foods you currently eat that are not organic are probally available as organic. Organic foods can be purchased from Organic Foods Market (search for a store near you), organic co-ops (find location near you), Wellness Grocer (order online) and Publix Supermarkets. You can also look in your local phone book for a list of organic markets near you.
Now, don’t just take a products word that it is organic. (See greenwashing), looking for a certified organic or USDA Organic logo on any packaged foods.
Earth-Friendly
Any foods that are called eart-friendly mean they are produced in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment.
All-Natural
All natural foods are minimally processed and contacin no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners. Kashi is a food company offering all natural foods. Their natural foods are availabe in stores across the world. Check out these all-natural recipes.
Vegan
Foods that are soley from plant orgin. These foods contain absoutley no animal ingredients. Vegan diets are a subset of vegetarian diets. Properly planned vegan diets are healthful and have been found to satisfy nutritional needs.