Natural food

Natural food refers to food items that are minimally processed and do not contain any food additives, such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorings, flavorings and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Natural foods may also be foods produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones, irradiation, genetic engineering techniques or other forms of biotechnology, and are often considered to be healthier and more nutritious than processed foods.

Definition

The term "natural food" is often used interchangeably with "organic food", but the two terms have different legal definitions in many countries, including the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have a formal definition for the term "natural", but it has a policy not to object to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.

Health benefits

Many people believe that natural foods are healthier than processed foods. Some studies have found that natural foods are higher in certain nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally grown counterparts. However, other studies have found no significant difference in nutritional content between natural and conventionally grown foods.

Environmental impact

The production of natural foods can have a lower environmental impact than the production of conventionally grown foods. This is because natural farming practices often use less energy, produce fewer greenhouse gases, and promote biodiversity.

Criticisms

Critics of the natural food movement argue that the term "natural" is often used as a marketing gimmick and that it does not necessarily mean the food is healthier or more environmentally friendly. They also point out that natural foods are often more expensive than their conventionally grown counterparts, which can make them inaccessible to many people.

See also

• Organic food
• Health food
• Whole food
• Clean eating
• Food processing
• Food additive
• Genetically modified food