Why Natural Foods Are Important For a Healthy Balanced Diet

Natural foods are considered to be foods that have been minimally processed and do not contain artificial ingredients or isolated vitamins, minerals and 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. People who are taking isolated vitamins every day are throwing their money down the toilet because the body considers most of those isolated chemicals as waste.

Usually more nutritious than refined foods, natural foods 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 food diets argue that refined ingredients promote obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. "

The term 'whole food' indicates that it does not contain parts of foods, or synthetic or isolated vitamins. Examples of whole, natural foods include raw fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, spinach, apples, berries, pineapple, bananas, peaches, lemons, Chinese yam, coix fruit, sprouted soybeans, other legumes, nuts, asparagus root, food grade herbs and whole grains. Also, 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 in any way, 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 raw fruits and vegetables to take in all the daily nutritional requirements their bodies need. It is possible to preserve nutrients from plants in their whole food form 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 foods in that way. There are some excellent pre-packaged, natural 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 those specific natural foods that fulfill nutritional requirements. Those types of prepared foods 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 natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes left in as natural a state as possible has many health advantages:

Whole 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.

Natural foods are often high fiber foods with more beneficial fats.

The combinations of nutrients in whole plant 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 natural weight loss by shedding 30 pounds in 30 days. In addition to a slimmer shape, he experienced numerous other benefits from a healthy balanced diet of natural foods and health drinks. Follow Cliff's natural weight loss plan.