Health Food Nutritional Facts

Health foods, generally thought to be organic in nature, are grown without using conventional pesticides and fertilizers. These foods do not originate from genetically modified organisms or bioengineering and are not processed using ionizing radiation or irradiation. These foods provide superior nutritional value, not only because they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals but also because they don't contain substances known to be hazardous to your health.

Fruit

Acai has become a popular "wonder fruit," used in everything from energy tonics to breakfast cereal to weight loss meal replacement bars. Gathered from acai palm trees grown primarily in Brazil, the acai berry is rich in vitamin C and ellagic acid. These berries also contain several polyphenols, organic, aromatic chemicals that gobble up free radicals, preventing cell damage.

Natural Sweetener

Agave is a "natural sweetener" grown primarily in the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America. The plant is poisonous in its raw form, though when heat processed, it provides a natural, light, sweet taste. As a sweetener, it is now being used in foods and beverages in place of artificial sweeteners and sugar. Agave is approximately 70 percent fructose, and about 50 percent sweeter than sucrose, making it a healthier choice.

Whole Grains

Barley, oats, wheat, rye, rice and several other grains are called cereal grains. When the grain remains intact, meaning the endosperm, bran and germ are not separated, the grain maintains all of its nutritional value. When grains are refined, meaning the bran and germ are removed, a majority of the grain's vitamins and minerals are lost. Enriched flour has only a few of the lost nutrients replaced. Whole-grain flours are far superior to enriched flours.

Legumes

Peas, beans, soybeans, lentils and peanuts -- which are not nuts -- are a healthy source of protein, iron and several B vitamins. When eaten on a regular basis, beans help lower your cholesterol and are essential in regulating blood sugar, and because they are high in fiber, beans can help you avoid numerous bowel problems, such as constipation.