This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our teamof licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
These phrases are plastered on products from all levels of the health-food spectrum, ranging from power bars tosoda.
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It might be pricey, but is it worth the cash?
Will that confer any nutritional or health benefit to the consumer?
So, basically, just nothing you wouldn’texpectto find in the food.
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All you gotta know is this: Natural does not necessarily mean healthy.
Sugar-Free
The only thing sugar-free means is that a product doesn’t have refined cane sugar.
Probiotic
Probiotics are live bacterial cultures that we consume naturally in unpasteurized fermented foods.
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Prebiotics
Now that you know about probiotics, it’s time to learn aboutprebiotics.
Here, they are digested by the bacteria that live in your gut (the probiotics).
Many of them can, but confirm you do your own research before buying into them.
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As for eggs, you’ll have to rely on the information the company gives you.
The goal is to support farmers who are transitioning to organic certificationa process that takes three years.
Sounds good to us!
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Start with thesebest chia seed recipes!
Gluten
Gluten-free products are flooding supermarket aisles faster than the latest iPhone sells out.
But do people really know what their food is free of?
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Gluten is the general term for storage proteins found in certain cereal grains.
The result is a cut of beef or milk that is high in inflammatory saturated fats.
The result is that multiple studies have found these carcinogen-containing pesticides are passed onto consumers.
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Usually, cage-free just means the chickens are enclosed in a barn with no access to the outdoors.
You might be wondering, “Why is that so bad if it’s naturally found in fruit?”
The answer is that fruits contain much less of it per serving (remember, this is aconcentrate).
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And some contain even less than others; check outhow much sugar is in fruit.
(Think fish oil compared to a mostly “saturated” fat like butter.)
Where do we sign up?
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Right here:the best food sources of omega-3s.
ACV
Or in layman’s terms,Apple Cider Vinegar.
ACV is full of acetic acid, a compound which delays gastric emptying to keep you fuller longer.
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Besides the hard exterior husk, whole grains come complete with the first three layers.
verify the label specified “100% whole grain” to reap the benefits ofhigh fiber foods!
Plus, many producers just use added dyes to make their product appear more natural.
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The main protein found in your skin, collagen is responsible for keeping your complexion glowing and youthful.
One of the best dietary source of collagen?
Gelatinwhich is found in animal bones and tendons.
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You’ll find it in anything from bone broth to thesecollagen recipes.
Antioxidants
This term shows up everywhere from cereal boxes to energy drinks.
But do you really know what antioxidants are and why they’re good for you?
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If not, we’re here to explain.
Antioxidants are compounds that act as our body’s best defense against disease-causing free radicals.
Free radicals are formed as a byproduct of digestion (and other functions, including breathing!
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), as well as from environmental toxins.
It’s also a method of slicing up veggies with a specific cooking appliance called a spiralizer.
It turns almost any veggie into faux noodles with just the crank of a handle!
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We’re fans of this trend because spiralizing veggies is one of theeasy ways to cut calories!
That’s exactly what they want you to think.
What does artisanal mean?
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By definition, a product made in limited batches in a traditional or non-mechanized way.
We wouldn’t put much merit into the claim on the packaging.
But do you know what it is?
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This new ingredient is simply the strained liquid from a can of chickpeas.
Due to the starchy texture of the liquid, it’s a perfect vegan egg substitute.
Nutritionally, however, aquafaba isn’t all that remarkable.
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The downside: it’s bad for your health.
The best way to stay BPA-free?
Whenever possible, buy products sold in glass jars or cardboard boxes, and stay away from theseBPA-laced foods.
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You’re also doing a solid for your community!
Be wary of the term as a food label, however.
What are you waiting for?
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Head on over to your local market to grab thesefoods you should only buy at the farmer’s market.
This blend is perfect for a once-in-awhile treat when you know you’ll be sitting through meetings all morning.
Each mug has nearly 400 calories!
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Cold Brew
Cold brew isn’t just any old iced coffee.
The theory behind it is that hot temperatures extract certain undesirable flavor elementsin particular, bitter oils and acids.
One coffee expert’s solution?
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Brew hot to fully extract nutrients and cool instantly to protect flavor.
Sounds good to us!
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