Confused about Natural and Organic? : SuperFoodsRx

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Confused about Natural and Organic?

SuperFoodsRx is all about incorporating nutrient dense whole foods into your diet and thinking about food for more than just a meal or snack but as playing an essential role in preventing a host of diseases. In the process of shopping for healthy foods you may be one of us that is confused by the terms natural and organic? Let's try to clear it up so we know what we are buying into.

Organic refers specifically to the farming elements used to grow our food. Most conventional bug sprays and other chemicals are not used in the growing of produce and antibiotics and growth hormones are prohibited for livestock.

The term "natural" might be the most confusing since there are no defined standards. The FDA does state that in order for foods to bear the term "natural," they must be "minimally processed and free of synthetic preservatives; artificial sweeteners; colors and flavors and other additives; hydrogenated oils; stabilizers and emulsifiers." There are many, many items in the stores that utilize the "natural" term.

Natural foods are not necessarily organic and many organic products still contain pesticides. For a product to be labeled organic, it must meet USDA standards and be certified.

The SuperFoods are a group on the most nutritious whole foods and can help you prevent disease, eat healthier, and provide environmental awareness. Keep in mind that not every natural or organic food is necessarily a healthy food (organic potato chips for example), you can be assured though that the most basic, minimally process whole foods are a good place to start.

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