organic foods and other labels
what is rbST?
About 17% of dairy cows are treated with the hormone rbST (also known as recombinant bovine somatotropin, Sometribove, recombinant bovine growth hormone, or rbGH). rbST/rbGH is made in a lab and injected into cows in high doses in order to increase milk production.
what does Air-chilled (poultry) mean
During processing, poultry is chilled to reduce microbial growth and promote food safety. air-chilling is not only a cleaner and safer method, but yields a juicer, higher quality and more flavorful product.
wild vs farmed fish
Farmed fish are generally less nutritious than wild fish. According to FDA studies, farmed fish are higher in fat and contain twice as many omega-6 fatty acids, while wild fish can be about 20% higher in protein and 20% lower in fat.
what is the healthiest and most natural diet for cattle?
Grass is the healthiest and most natural diet for cattle. Grass-fed beef comes from cows that get most of their nutrients from grass. Grass has a very healthy fatty acid profile (more omega-3s than omega-6s),
what is kosher beef?
Kosher beef is produced following specific Jewish laws and under the supervision of specially licensed rabbis. Kosher laws were created for religious purposes, not to produce safer or healthier food.
why companies use natural label on packaged products
On packaged products, companies usually use this word if the product doesn't have artificial ingredients.
nutritious life tip on bread
Stick with whole grains - key word being whole. Read the ingredients list to make sure that a whole grain is the first thing listed, and look for the Whole Grain Stamp as a guarantee. Many packaged breads also come packed with added sugars and additives, so be sure to check the ingredients list for these things as well.
USDA and environmental / ethical standards with organic beef
The USDA also requires the production and processing of organic beef to meet environmental and ethical standards for sustainability.
"Non-GMO project verified"
label on some foods a seal exists from the Non-GMO Project (a non-profit organization) and is used on products that are made according to consensus-based best practices for GMO avoidance.
what is white flour made of?
made from refined grains, meaning the bran and germ are stripped off leaving only the endosperm.
hand-trimmed
means it wasn't mechanically separated. "Hand-trimmed" means meat was deboned by hand, usually with a handheld knife.
water chilling in the US
primary method for chilling in the US because it's less expensive. Plus, when poultry is chilled in water a lot of the liquid is absorbed, which ultimately means you're paying for water when you're buying per pound.
does USDA processed verified label mean the food is healthier?
seems like it is good for health and safety, it's really just more marketing hype and is completely voluntary.
USDA organic seal standards
● 100% Organic: made of only organic ingredients (allowed to display seal) ● Organic: at least 95% organic, but not necessarily 100% organic (allowed to display seal) ● Made with Organic Ingredients: at least 70% of ingredients are certified organic (not allowed to display seal but can list organic ingredients on front of package) ● Contains Organic Ingredients: less than 70% organic ingredients (not allowed to display seal but may list organic ingredients in ingredients list)
which beef is kosher?
Only certain cuts of beef can be certified kosher (the shoulder, the rib, the leg, under the rib and behind the leg) and beef can never be combined with other animal products.
"natural" poultry
"Natural" poultry has no artificial ingredients, added colors or chemical preservatives, and is minimally processed (just enough to get it ready to be cooked.) Most ready-to-cook chicken fits this label. But remember from before, this doesn't mean it doesn't have some additives, just that it has naturally occurring additives (like salt water, sugar or lemon concentrate.)
homogenized milk
"Pasteurized" is not the same as "homogenized" which is when milk is mechanically treated with high pressure in order to keep the milk fat from separating out and floating to the top. Homogenization has nothing to do with safety, just taste.
what are the three processes for air chilled?
This can be done by one of three processes: water chilling, air chilling, or evaporative air chilling.
best way to avoid GMO foods?
buy organic, as organic foods are not permitted to contain GMOs or be grown from GMO seeds.
biofortification vs. regular fortification
vitamin A can be genetically added to rice through a process of biofortification. This is different from the regular fortification that you find in cereals because it focuses on actually growing nutrient-enhanced foods, not just adding micronutrients to foods as they are commercially processed.
what is BPA and where is it found?
BPA = Bisphenol A is used in the production of plastics and resins. You find it in food containers and water bottles as well as packaging.
"natural" as a marketing tool - where would you see it
In today's grocery aisles, natural has become more of a marketing tool. You'll see it all the time on products like potato chips, cookies and even cake mixes.
why giving cows rbST is not healthy for humans
Milk that comes from cows that have been given this hormone has elevated levels of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1), which are associated with an increased risk of cancer in humans.
problems with overfishing
Nearly 85% of the world's fisheries are either overfished or fished to capacity which can have long term negative consequences for the environment, but there are fisheries out there who are catching fish in a sustainable manner.
concerns about mercury
Older and bigger fish tend to have the highest mercury levels. Long-term exposure to mercury can have damaging effects on the nervous system and is of particular concern for children and pregnant women.
what does it mean for poultry to be organic?
"organic" = what the birds ate was organic: only organic feed (usually made from corn, alfalfa, wheat, and vitamin and mineral supplements) that was grown without artificial fertilizers or pesticides and of course no GMOs. birds never treated with growth hormones or antibiotics (though they may have received vaccinations to prevent common diseases) and always had reasonable access to the outdoors.
takeaway points from the EWG lists
Remember, EWG updates the list every year so keep up with the changes some backlash that the methods for making these lists are flawed, I still think it's a useful tool if you want to buy organic produce but you need to make some compromises due to cost or availability. in most cases, eating any produce is better than eating no produce at all.
whats the downside of eating grass-fed beef?
The downside to grass-fed beef is that cattle can still be given antibiotics or hormones at some point, and it also doesn't necessarily mean that the animal was raised without some confinement.
seven grain: what should the first thing listed on the label be?
The first thing listed on the label should be a whole grain. Same goes for 14 grain, 15 grain, or any other number of grain bread - they're not whole unless they say they're whole.
germ
The germ is the embryo and also contains B vitamins as well as protein, minerals, and healthy fats.
why theres no regulated label for organic fish
The seafood industry does not have a regulated label for organic fish because not all fish can be held to the same standards. It would be pretty tough to completely control the natural environment in the ocean.
organic eggs
USDA organic seal on eggs refers to the way the hens who laid the eggs are kept and fed. The seal verifies that "producers met animal health and welfare standards, did not use antibiotics or growth hormones, used 100% organic feed, and provided animals with access to the outdoors," although the amount of time and quality of access isn't specified. It also doesn't specify what the feed is, just that it's organic, so it's probably a mix of organic grains, not grass. Remember, grass is where the most nutrients are.
what are cattle fed instead of grass, and what are the problems with that?
Unfortunately, most cattle are fed grain and corn (usually GMO) because it's cheaper. while fats in the cereal grains like barley, maize, and sorghum and in cottonseed, all used in cattle feed, are mostly omega-6s and have few omega-3s (that's not a healthy profile.)
can we rely on Non-GMO label?
Unfortunately, testing for this is very difficult and risk of contamination is too high to ever reliably claim that a product is truly "GMO free." Products that have the seal meet strict requirements and are a pretty safe bet, but they do still have potential to be contaminated.
BPA health effects
While the Food and Drug Administration has deemed BPA to be safe because very little actually leaks into foods (yes, there have been hundreds of studies), we know that exposure to BPA is concerning because it has been shown to have behavioral implications, toxic effects on the brain, and toxic effects in the prostate glands of fetuses, infants and children.
what can white bread be enriched with?
White bread can be enriched with vitamins and minerals, but the law only requires that iron and 4 B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and folic acid) are added back to the flour
health benefits of eating grass fed beef:
beef from grass-fed cows is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which have protective effects like lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suppressing inflammation, and improving brain function. Grass-fed beef is also lower in saturated fat, higher in precursors for vitamins A and E and cancer fighting antioxidants, and higher in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which has been shown to reduce risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
cage-free chicken
birds can freely roam around a room or enclosed area and have unlimited access to food and fresh water. they have space, but they may have never seen the light of day. Again, this is about the animal, not the nutrient content.
label "From cows not treated with rbST"
controversy with this label because some argue that there is really no way to tell the difference between naturally occurring bST and laboratory-made rbST in milk. However, milk from cows that have been treated with rbST does have increased levels of IGF-1 and other compositional differences.
foods made with GMOs effects on organs
foods made with GMOs may have toxic effects in the liver, pancreas, kidney and reproductive organs making it a very controversial technology. GMO foods can cause tumors, harm the small intestine and digestive tract, increase free radical activity, and have negative effects on heart, adrenal, spleen and blood cells.
what is pasteurization?
process that kills harmful bacteria by heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time. Pasteurized milk is heated to 161 degrees F for at least 15 seconds or 145 degrees F for at least 30 minutes, while ultra-pasteurized milk is heated to 280 degrees F for a minimum of 2 seconds.
non-organic dairy products aren't healthy because:
products often come from cows treated with growth hormones. These hormones can be passed into the milk carton, into your glass of milk, and then into you.
labels that say "organic farm-raised"
"organic farm-raised" mean the fish was raised on a farm, given organic feed, not exposed to pesticides or chemicals, and wasn't genetically altered.
how to discuss health risks of raw milk with clients
Be prepared to discuss risks with clients. Most food safety experts believe the risks of raw milk outweigh the benefits and that an overall healthy diet will include any nutrients that may be lost in pasteurization.
which is the most important protein to buy organic?
Beef might be the most important protein to buy organic because non-organic cattle can be given growth hormones and antibiotics (on the other hand, even non-organic poultry is never given growth hormones.)
Breads - what is it made of?
Bread is made from flour (usually; there are unique breads these days) and flour is made from grains. Grains are the seeds for certain plants (mostly large cereal grasses such as wheat) and have the ability to sprout new plants.
does organic mean your packaged food is healthy?
But remember, a cookie is still a cookie even if it's organic. Though organic products are usually a smarter choice for indulgence than other items out there, "organic" doesn't always equal "healthy," "free pass" or "all you can eat".
nutritious life tip (fish)
Buy sustainable seafood to help protect the environment and get sustainably caught "wild" whenever possible. Shop from a trusted fishmonger who can tell you where the fish came from. both the type of fish and where it's from play a role in the safety of it. seafoodwatch.org
no hormones added (poultry)
Despite what you may hear, growth hormones are never used in the production of any poultry in the US (not the same for beef.) So any brand of chicken can be labeled "Raised without hormones" It's just a marketing gimmick. In fact, if a chicken has this label, there has to be a disclaimer that says no chickens are given hormones.
"Clean Fifteen"
EWG also helped us out by making the Clean Fifteen. These are the foods with the least amount of pesticides, so if you can't buy everything organic, know these are the safest to sacrifice.
BPA - what to stay away from
note that BPA substitutes like BPS are harmful as well. Do not heat plastics in the microwave as this breaks down the BPA. Most plastics with a recycle code 3 or 7 will contain BPA, so steer clear of those in particular.
organic dairy products vs conventional dairy
organic dairy products have significantly higher protein and omega-3 fatty acids than conventional dairy and have a higher omega-3 to omega-6 ratio;
organic produce vs non organic produce
organic fruits and vegetables are higher in phytochemicals than their conventional counterparts because these compounds help protect the plant, and organic plants need to work a little harder because they aren't protected by conventional methods. nutrient content isn't the end-all-be-all, and organic food also offers many other benefits for the environment and your body.
bran
outer skin that protects the grain and is packed with antioxidants, B vitamins, and fiber.
organic
refers to the way farmers grow and process fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and meat. To be certified organic, all produce must be grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Meat, poultry, eggs, or dairy products labeled organic are free of antibiotics or growth hormones. Regulations require that all organic foods be processed without irradiation (when food is treated with a small amount of radiation to eliminate germs and parasites) or chemical food additives, and they can't be grown from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
what are the naturally occurring hormones in cows?
what are the naturally occurring hormones in cows? Bovine growth hormone (bGH), also called bovine somatotropin (bST) is a naturally occurring hormone in cows that is essential for growth and development,
why is the term multigrain confusing?
This term can describe a mix of several whole grains, a mix of several refined grains, or a mix of both, so it doesn't guarantee that whole grains are present.
what to use instead of BPA
encourage reusable containers, BPA-free canned goods and water bottles, Glass is always the best option for food packaging or storage.
Super Green List
As of July 2017, the Super Green List (which is a list of fish that are safest to eat based on mercury content, omega-3 levels and sustainability) includes: Atlantic mackerel, pacific sardines, freshwater coho salmon (farmed), and wild-caught salmon from Alaska. Other good choices were albacore tuna and black cod.
endosperm
endosperm, the largest part of the grain, acts as the food supply for the germ. It holds the starchy carbohydrates, a little protein, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.
farmed or farm-raised fish / aquaculture
About half of the seafood eaten worldwide is farm-raised, a process also known as aquaculture. Aquaculture is done in order to meet the growing demands for fish worldwide. Sometimes seafood is farmed under regulations that protect the health of the people who eat it and the environment around it; however, sometimes it isn't.
wild
According to U.S. law, wild fish are "naturally-born or hatchery-raised fish and shellfish harvested in the wild." This means they're eating a natural diet and won't be given antibiotics or other unnatural treatments.
raw milk advocates believe what and which nutrients are affected?
Advocates of raw milk believe the drink is more nutritious, Despite concerns over foodborne illness, the popularity of raw milk, especially raw goat milk, is growing. effect on nutrients lost during pasteurization is minimal: nutrients affected (vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E and folate) are naturally low in milk anyway. (can replace these lost nutrients with a healthy diet)
if confused about "natural" label what should you look at:
Again, use the ingredients list and nutrition panel to select products. Even when FDA comes up with a definition, it probably won't guarantee the food is a nutritious choice.
what to remember when buying organic or nonorganic produce
Aim to buy all organic produce always wash produce before you eat it even if it is organic. If you can't get everything organic, narrow it down to the Dirty Dozen. And if you can't remember the list, think about the skin. If it's soft and can absorb a lot of water, it can probably absorb a lot of pesticides. If it's hard and not eaten (like a pineapple), it's probably a safer bet.
farm-raised chicken
All raised on farms, so any chicken can have this label - more of a marketing tool. Usually if it's on a menu it means the chicken is from a local farm (but not always.)
who is eligible for this label?
Any agricultural company that has specified process verified points that are supported by a documented quality management system are eligible for this label. Essentially, they are asking the USDA to come check up on them so that they can market themselves as "USDA Process Verified." Approved companies can then make marketing claims associated with their process verified points - including age, source, feeding practices, or other raising and processing claims -- and use the label.
"natural" on non animal products (packaged crackers cereals)
Foods that don't contain animal products (like packaged crackers and cereals) are often labeled as natural, but in these cases there are no regulations for use of the word yet. Companies usually label products as natural if they are minimally processed and free from artificial ingredients like coloring or certain preservatives, but because it's not yet regulated there are no guarantees.
nutritious life tip on eggs:
For the most nutrient-dense egg, buy the pastured. Better yet, get pastured organic. If you can't find pastured I recommend omega-3 fortified organic eggs.
free-range / free-roaming
Free-range birds have continuous access to food, water, and the outdoors. However, there are no quality standards for what that outdoor area must be like (meaning it may just be a cement lot) and there are no restrictions regarding what the bird needs to be fed.
free-range chicken/birds
Free-range birds live in a shelter with an unlimited supply of food and fresh water and continuous access to the outdoors. However, whether or not they actually go outside is up to the birds themselves. In reality, most stay close to water and feed, which is usually located indoors. This is about the animal, not the nutritional value.
what does "natural" label mean?
For meat, poultry and eggs, the term "natural" is regulated and means that the food is minimally processed and contains no artificial ingredients. Chicken breasts are often plumped up with added salt water and given "natural flavor" with sugar or lemon concentrate and will still be labeled natural - as long as the additives can be called natural, so can the chicken.
GMO corn as animal feed
GMO corn is also a huge source for animal feed, causing them to show up in our meat and poultry supply.
what does GMO mean?
GMO stands for genetically modified organism, which means it contains genetic material that has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. It actually changes the genetics of the food.
poultry nutritious life shopping tip
Go for organic. If that's not an option, at least shoot to buy poultry with "no antibiotics added."
nutritious life tip (dairy and milk)
Grass-fed milk is the best bet but harder to come by, so organic is what I suggest for most people. If you can't find organic (though it's pretty common these days), at least get milk labeled "rbST-free."
why are growth hormones given to non-organic cattle?
Growth hormones like estrogen, testosterone, or steroids are often given to non-organic cattle to speed up muscle growth, while antibiotics are used to keep animals healthy.
raised without antibiotics (poultry)
Growth hormones may be off limits for poultry, but antibiotics are fair game. "Raised without Antibiotics" means chicken were raised without the use of antibiotics for animal health maintenance, disease prevention or treatment of disease.
what ingredients to look for in "wheat" bread
If the ingredients don't list whole grains, the bread is missing key nutrients and may not even be a better choice than white bread. Check the ingredients before you buy and opt for "100% whole wheat" when possible.
which fish should be avoided
In general, avoid fish from Thailand, Japan, and China; bluefin tuna; and Atlantic salmon from outside the U.S. United States fish is generally a good option, but over 90% of the seafood we eat in the U.S. is imported from other countries.
multigrain - what to look for?
In this case the Whole Grain Stamp is a helpful indicator of what's in the bread. Also look to the ingredients label - the first thing listed should be a whole grain. And don't be duped by color!
how is white whole wheat similar to regular whole wheat bread?
It may sound contradictory to say white whole wheat, but it really isn't - white whole wheat flour including the bran, germ, and endosperm of the wheat is in fact whole wheat. This means it's nutritionally similar to regular whole wheat bread and is a good option for people who prefer the look and taste of white bread.
mechanically separated poultry
Mechanically separated poultry is made by removing meat from chicken or turkey bones using screens and filters to remove the bones. It's usually used in hot dogs and other processed meats and has to be specifically listed among the ingredients.
the truth about sprouted grains
Proponents of sprouted grains believe that this means the food is more easily digested by people and may even increase the bioavailability of vitamins and minerals in the grain. However, there is not a lot of evidence to support many claims of sprouted grains. But what we can say is that sprouted grains are indeed whole grains, so in the grand scheme of things they can be a good choice.
organic dairy products health benefits
Organic dairy products may have some other health benefits as well. Organic milk has more omega-3 fatty acids than conventional milk and organic butter has twice the amount of furan fatty acids than conventional butter, which may reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease.
EWG and the Dirty Dozen
Organic food can be expensive Dirty Dozen, an annual list put out by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). these 12 foods are the most contaminated when they are grown conventionally with pesticides. Every year, the EWG analyzes USDA data about pesticide residue and ranks foods based on how much or little pesticide residue they have. Typically, it's the fruits and vegetables with the softest skin that absorb the most pesticides. You can reduce exposure to pesticides by 80% by always going organic with these 12 foods.
organic produce vs conventional produce
Organic food, especially produce, will be the healthiest, safest and best option for your body. organic produce doesn't always have more nutrition than conventional produce - organic is more nutritious option, and absolutely better for the environment.
organic (milk and dairy)
Organic milk comes from cows that are held to the exact same standards as cows raised for organic beef. They have year-round access to the outdoors, are never given growth hormones or antibiotics, and are fed only organic feed and grass from the pasture.
organic packaged foods
Organic products will have a more natural list and will be free of artificial sweeteners and other unnatural additives. Always choose products with a short list of ingredients that you can understand. Buying organic also helps preserve the environment and keeps ethical/sustainable practices in your food supply.
what does it mean by organic meat
Organic beef comes from cows that are allowed to roam and graze pastures for at least 120 days of the year (which means they're eating grass on those days); are given fresh air, water, and sunshine; and eat 100% organic feed (usually a mix of organic grains like barley and oats, corn, alfalfa meal, and vitamin and mineral supplements) without growth-promoting hormones, antibiotics, GMOs or animal by-products (including manure, same-animal meat and bone meal.)
seafoodwatch.org
Other considerations when it comes to fish are levels of mercury and PCBs. To keep up to date on what fish are safest to eat, download the Pocket Guide from seafoodwatch.org.
which plants are grown with GMO seeds:
Other plants that are commonly grown with GMO seeds include sugar beets, papaya and summer squash.
pesticides and insecticide - organophosphate
Pesticides are designed to kill living organisms, so it makes sense that they are harmful to consume. insecticide called organophosphate has been shown to damage the nervous system by blocking an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase and exposure to this pesticide during childhood can lead to learning disabilities and impaired memory.
what does "all vegetarian diet" mean (poultry)
Poultry labeled "all vegetarian diet" weren't given animal by-products with their feed. Chicken feed can often contain animal by-products like fat, bones and gelatin, most of which is ground into a meal and put into feed to up the protein level. health and disease risks for both animals and humans.
raw milk dangers
Raw milk hasn't been pasteurized (heated) and can therefore carry harmful pathogens like Salmonella, E. Coli and Listeria. CDC reports that raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause foodborne illness.
truth about homogenization
Some people believe that homogenization can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases by enhancing the absorbability of an enzyme in milk called xanthine oxidase (XOD) which results in higher blood levels of XOD after consumption that can increase inflammation. However, experimental evidence refuted this myth long ago. Most milk sold in grocery stores has been pasteurized and homogenized, though one can exist without the other.
how are farmed fish treated and what do they eat
Sometimes farmed fish are given food that they would naturally eat, but usually farmed fish eat a diet high in GMO corn and soy. can be given antibiotics and are often treated with dyes to keep them looking fresh in stores. (remember you are what you eat)
what is sustainable fish
Sustainable fish are wild caught or farmed in ways that don't hurt the environment. This means that wild populations have time to naturally replenish themselves. Buying sustainable seafood helps keep a diverse and healthy ecosystem.
100% whole grain stamp
The 100% Stamp means that a food contains at least one full serving of whole grains in each serving of the product and that ALL the grain is whole grain, while the basic Whole Grain Stamp is on products with at least half a serving of whole grain per labeled serving. Not all whole grain products will have the stamp, but it is a helpful guarantee for products you may be unsure about.
Whole Grains Council
The Whole Grains Council, a non-profit consumer advocacy group, has an official packaging symbol called the Whole Grain Stamp that helps consumers find real whole grain products.
USDA organic label
The term "organic" is regulated by the USDA, so true organic food has the green USDA label. Before a product earns the label, a certifier must inspect the farm where the food is grown and make sure it meets all standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to supermarkets or restaurants have to be certified too. Keep in mind that this is a voluntary (and expensive) process, so sometimes smaller producers like local farms can actually be organic but not have the official seal. Unfortunately, there are also small producers that call themselves organic when they actually are not. They should not use the word or the seal.
main difference between hand trimmed vs mechanically separated
The two methods yield a very different product in texture and form. mechanically separated meat isn't sold directly to consumers (just in processed meats like hot dogs) so sometimes it's just used as a marketing technique.
techniques for raising farmed fish
There are a couple of different techniques for raising fish, but basically fish are raised in tanks, nets, or other kinds of enclosures.
what are the three parts to a grain?
There are three parts to a grain: bran, germ, endosperm. All parts are edible, but the bran and the germ are where the real nutrition - vitamins, minerals, and fiber - lay.
the effects of estrogen-like hormones given to cattle on humans
There is a strong connection between some of the estrogen-like hormones given to cattle and cancer in humans, particularly breast cancer, and eating beef with antibiotics may lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in people.
why its best to get poultry "raised without antibiotics"
These antibiotics contribute to the rise in drug-resistant bacteria which ultimately lead to sickness and even death. It's just like why you don't take antibiotics unless you're really sick.
what is the problem with the labels whole wheat or whole grain
These terms are very similar - the grains are kept intact (whole), so you get the bran, germ and endosperm and therefore all key nutrients. However, this label can be deceiving. You can buy something labeled whole wheat or whole grain that indeed has some whole grains, but it could also be mostly non nutritive filler. look for "100% whole wheat" or "100% whole grain" when possible.
what is sprouted bread?
Think of grains like seeds waiting to sprout new life. Grains won't sprout until the temperature and conditions are right, and they're usually harvested before this happens. But if a grain is left to sprout, the process breaks down the endosperm into simpler, more digestible molecules for the new plant to use for energy. These are the grains used in sprouted bread.
what is the need for GMO
This is usually done to give plants traits that will help them grow, such as resistance to pests or disease, or to give foods a higher nutrient content.
seven grain: what to look for
This label alone is not a guarantee - you have to look for the ingredients label or for the Whole Grain Stamp.
USDA Process verified
This label basically ensures that all of the claims on food labels are actually true. It's a way for agricultural companies to assure customers that they can provide consistent quality products or services.
what does an organic label mean on fish
You may still see "organic" on seafood labels, but it's not regulated by the USDA like other foods are. But because wild fish can't possibly be held to these standards, the USDA doesn't recognize any fish as organic and the label probably came from a private company.
what is white whole wheat
White whole wheat flour is made with white wheat, which is different than the red wheat used to make traditional whole wheat bread. White wheat is lighter and milder in flavor and lacks the genes that give red wheat its color - like an albino wheat really.
"natural" label on packaged foods vs animal products
With packaged foods, this means very little from a health perspective right now. Remember, the term "natural" is only regulated for meat, poultry and eggs.
white flour - what is it lacking?
Without the bran and the germ, the grain loses about 25% of its protein along with at least seventeen key nutrients including vitamins, minerals and fiber. it's lacking in fiber, trace minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients lost during processing.
downsides to water chilling
downsides - there's potential for cross-contamination and it's a huge waste of water. The method is actually banned in Europe because of its cross-contamination potential,
wheat
brands labeled "wheat" likely aren't whole wheat with whole grains and are likely missing part of the grain. Just because the bread is brown doesn't mean it's healthy - it might just have caramel coloring to give it that healthy look.
why is kosher beef more ethical
buying kosher beef ensures a certain safety in the product because animals are closely inspected for signs of disease and the entire butchering process is monitored every step of the way. Kosher beef may also be an option for an animal-loving meat eater, as Jewish laws ensure that animals are killed in the most humane way as possible.
omega-3 fortified eggs
can be fortified with omega-3 fatty acids by supplementing the diets of the hens who lay them with fish oils, flax seeds or microalgae. Though there are still questions about how the different forms of omega-3s are transmitted to the eggs, it's still a great way to get more omega-3s into your diet, and the only downside would be the extra cost. They can be labeled as "fortified" or just "with omega-3s."
nutritious life tip takeaway
fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and low fat dairy in your cart first whole grain sources: whole grain pastas, quinoa and whole wheat bread so look for organic brands and read that ingredients list Same goes for any packaged "indulgence" foods. Organic is better, but you still need to indulge consciously. knowledge of labels labels reflect marketing and not true nutrition information. choose foods that don't even have a label! Feeling good about the choices you make is the key to success, so empower your clients to push a grocery cart with confidence!
which GMO foods are of most concern in our diet?
genetic engineering is widespread. About 88% of corn and 94% of soy grown in the U.S. are genetically modified (wheat has not yet been approved to be genetically modified), and though you may not be directly eating these foods, 60-70% of processed foods have ingredients made from GMOs.
nutrient content is affected by so many other factors like:
geography, soil and climate
grass-fed organic vs grass fed vs non-grass diet
grass-fed organic: free of growth hormones and antibiotics, is higher in antioxidants and omega-3s, and is lower in saturated fat. at least get grass-fed. nutrients like omega-3s and CLA in grass-fed beef are lost in animals fed a non-grass diet, and while grass-farmers sometimes use fertilizer on their fields, they usually avoid the use of hormones or antibiotics in the cattle.
"raised without antibiotics" (poultry) doesn't include these meds:
health products (like coccidiostats, which control protozoal parasites) may still be used for animal health.
Grass-fed milk - why grass is better for cattle as opposed to corn
including grass in a cow's diet (as opposed to corn) can enhance the nutritional properties of its milk. Increasing grass in the diet decreases the total fat content while also changing the kinds of fats present: more unsaturated and less saturated. Same goes for butter made from grass-fed milk. People also tend to prefer the taste and sensory properties of butter made from grass-fed milk.
most dangerous effects from GMOs
most dangerous effects are in the liver and kidney, the two detoxifying organs in the body, and GMO foods can lead to a condition called hepatorenal toxicity.
organic leafy greens vs conventional leafy greens
studies have found higher amounts of vitamin C in organic spinach, lettuce and chard versus the conventional leafy greens; research has shown higher levels of phenols, a type of antioxidant, in organic fruits and vegetables.
why "natural" label on packaged foods isn't healthy
sugar, white flour, butter and salt are all fair game / considered natural Take natural potato or veggie chips for example. Yes, potatoes, vegetables, salt and oil are all natural things, but when you fry them up together you don't exactly get a healthy food.
pastured eggs
the birds are allowed to roam in pastures, so they're eating a diet higher in grass. It's the same idea as grass-fed beef: because of their diet, the eggs they lay are lower fat and cholesterol and higher in vitamin A than those that are strictly grain-fed.
what "natural" doesn't mean
there are no standards as to how the animals are raised or where they are kept. It also doesn't necessarily mean that there aren't any additives. "natural" doesn't necessarily mean "healthy", and it certainly doesn't mean "organic."
downside to wild fish
they're not completely free of pollutants. Mercury is a naturally occurring element in the environment, but levels of it in the ocean have skyrocketed due to industrialization, and mercury levels in wild fish are a big consideration.
