Does Eating All Natural And Organic Help You Lose Weight?

MayoClinic.com says natural and organic are not interchangeable terms. Only those foods that are grown and processed according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture organic standards can be considered organic. On the other hand, the Food and Drug Administration does not have a definition for the term natural. Foods can be labeled natural if they do not contain artificial flavors, colors, or synthetic substances. Consuming both natural and organic foods can accelerate weight loss. The American Dietetic Association says foods labeled "natural" may not actually mean low in sugar content, so it's important to check the label.

Considerations

Considerations:

David Herzog, nutrition coach and author says most studies demonstrate organic food has up to 10 times the mineral content of nonorganic foods. Thereby, organic food has higher nutritional levels. As a result, Herzog says, after eating a small amount of organic food, people feel more full in comparison to eating processed food, hence assisting in weight loss. Similarly, natural, nonorganic foods are nutrient-rich and low in calories. In general, produce contains water and fiber, which keeps calories down and promotes a feeling of fullness for a longer period of time.

The Facts

Most nonorganic food has been pasteurized, or cooked, so it contains less enzymes. Enzymes are important in the weight-loss process and helps speed up the metabolism. One way to correct enzyme deficiency is to eat more raw salads and to juice raw vegetables and fruit, whether natural or organic. Grapefruit is high in enzymes, and eating two a day helps burn and release any fat stored in the body as well as cleans the vital organs.

Suggestions

Fiber is found in both fruit and vegetables. Increasing dietary fiber speeds up weight loss and improves digestion, reduces appetite, and reverses the effects of eating processed foods. Eating at least two organic or natural apples a day supplies the body with fiber and promotes a sense of being full so one can avoid overeating. Organic extra virgin coconut oil helps release fat cells, improves the digestive process and speeds up the metabolism. Consuming 2 teaspoons a day can aid in losing unwanted weight. In addition, adding a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar also stimulates the process of releasing fat cells.

Facts

Eating an organic salad consisting of an avocado, lettuce and other vegetables delivers the nutrients and healthy fats the body needs. Tests have shown organic spinach contains 64 to 78 percent more vitamin C than nonorganic. Organic wheat has 13 times more selenium than commercial wheat and twice the calcium content. In terms of meat, organic meat is preferable for weight loss as conventional meat contains growth hormones, antibiotics and other animal drugs that can cause abnormal levels of fat storage in the body that cause weight gain.