Truth About Healthy Food

Diet is an integral part of your health. Choosing healthy foods based on the information on food labels can sometimes be confusing or even deceiving. The Centers For Science In the Public Interest has petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to prohibit food manufacturers from making false or misleading health claims and ingredient obfuscations on product labels and ads. Knowing the truth about healthy food can enlighten you to make wise dietary decisions.

Features

Healthy food has certain qualities that distinguish it from unhealthy food. Healthy foods are whole and unprocessed and retain the natural and unadulterated concentration of nutrients without artificial additive ingredients. Processed foods, such as grains, remove some of the nutrients. Research published in "Alternative Medicine Review" in 2010 reviewed multiple studies and found that organic foods provide significantly greater levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than non-organic varieties of the same foods. Moreover, the research found that organic foods have significantly lower amounts of nitrates and pesticide residues. Healthy food also does not contain ingredients such as sodium at levels that can increase risk of chronic disease. Research by Cliona Ni Mhurchu published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2010 reports that data for over 40,000 food products in Great Britain reveal that many processed foods, particularly processed meat, dairy, sauces, spreads and bread and bakery products contain high levels of sodium, a risk factor for high blood pressure and stroke.

Types

Healthy foods are found in each of the basic food groups. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Whole grains are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Legumes, such as soy, contain protein and fiber. Nuts and seeds contain protein and healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acid, a healthy fat. Low-fat yogurt contains probiotics, live and active cultures for healthy intestinal flora. Fish contain protein, healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Significance

Healthy foods can promote your health and reduce your risk of disease. A diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which includes plentiful amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, olive oil, yogurt and fish may increase your lifespan and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Research by Dr. Antonia Trichopoulou published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" in 2003 discovered that adherence to a Mediterranean diet increases longevity and reduces mortality from heart disease and cancer.

Considerations

When choosing healthy foods, consider your age, health condition and any drugs you may be taking. As you age, your nutritional requirements change. Older people need to consume more vitamin D. Some healthy foods can interfere with drugs. Consult your doctor about your health and the type of diet and healthy foods you can eat.