pure foods - definitions
Definitions: Natural, Organic and Whole Foods
Natural products:
- Come from a plant or mineral source that has not been altered except by chopping, grinding, separating, drying, freezing, heating or fermenting
- Contain no chemical additives (including colorings) or preservatives
- When used on meats and poultry, ‘natural’ means minimally processed and free of artificial products (such as coloring and nitrite)
- Natural does not necessarily cover hormone use, organic feed or other environmental practices
Organically grown:
- Signifies foods grown under an ecological management system that generally rejects synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
- Promotes practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony
- Required by the Organic Food Production Act and National Organic Program (NOP) to meet organic standards and receive mandatory certification of organic production
Whole foods:
- Foods as near their original form as possible; generally the least processed version of any foods in a given category
- This include grains, beans, fruits and vegetables
- Many believe these foods retain a greater natural nutritional value than foods that have been heavily processed or refined even though vitamins and minerals may have been added back into the formula after processing