Why Natural Whole Foods are Important For a Healthy Diet

By Cliff Smith

Natural foods and whole foods are considered to be foods that have been minimally processed and do not contain artificial ingredients, isolated vitamins, minerals or other man-made chemicals.

Many vitamins and so-called 'health food' products in stores today are produced synthetically in a laboratory.  Synthetic man-made nutrients are not easily absorbed by the body because they are not recognized as something nature intended us to consume.  In reality, many people taking isolated vitamins every day are throwing their money down the toilet because the body considers most of those isolated chemicals literally as waste.

Natural Foods - What Are They?

Usually more nutritious than refined foods, natural foods may or may not be whole foods, but they definitely do not include ingredients such as refined sugars, refined flours, milled grains, hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, artificial food colors, or artificial flavorings. Proponents of natural foods argue that all those refined ingredients in products on so many store shelves today promote obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Whole Foods - What Are They?

The term 'whole foods' indicates that the natural foods have not been altered and do not contain synthetic or isolated vitamins that have been added. Examples of whole foods include raw fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, spinach, apples, berries, pineapple, bananas, peaches, lemons, legumes, nuts and whole grains.  An important nutrition fact to remember is that whole foods are usually in their raw state. Once they have been cooked, boiled, pasteurized or heated to excess, they may lose some of their nutrients, thus changing the natural foods to a different form.

In today's fast paced world, not many people have time to prepare or consume enough whole foods, like raw fruits and vegetables, to take in all the daily nutritional requirements that their bodies need. It is possible to preserve nutrients from natural foods, like plants, as whole foods and prepare them for quick easy consumption.  However, it's hard to find manufacturers who are willing to take the necessary steps and pay the price to prepare natural foods in this way. 

There are some excellent pre-packaged, whole foods that have been prepared with minimal processing and at lower temperatures for easy, convenient consumption, but you have to search the Internet to find these specific kinds of natural foods to fulfill nutritional requirements.  These types of perfectly prepared whole food concentrates and health drinks make it easier to be certain you are taking in enough nutrients each day to keep your body operating at peak levels of health and fitness.

A diet based on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes left in as natural a state as possible has many health advantages.  Natural foods are rich in bioflavonoids and phytochemicals—powerful nutrients found in plants.  Compared with processed foods, whole foods contain more complex carbohydrates, natural antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients.  Plus, natural foods are often high fiber foods with additional healthy properties.

The combinations of nutrients in whole foods act synergistically to keep the human body functioning the way it was originally designed.  So, when you are shopping for healthy foods that are quick and easy to prepare, check the label carefully to avoid an excess of man-made synthetic ingredients.  Better yet, check the Internet for natural foods not available in stores.  Your body will appreciate it.

About the Author - Cliff Smith discovered secrets to health, longevity and natural weight loss with a healthy balanced diet of natural foods and whole foods.  In addition to a slimmer shape, he experienced numerous other benefits   Follow Cliff's natural weight loss plan or check out his Daily Healthy Food Plan to live a naturally healthy lifestyle.