It says "NATURAL" it must be healthy!

Not!!! The term “natural” isn’t truly regulated unless you are talking about poultry and meat.  In such case, poultry and meat cannot contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and must have minimal processing. Saying that it is “natural” does not indicate how the animal was raised, fed or taken care of. When talking about other food products, the term "natural" can be used if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances. But this in itself can be tricky and misleading.

“Natural” foods could contain processed sweeteners, genetically modified plants, and additives and preservatives like sodium benzoate. Sodium Benzoate is a sodium salt that occurs naturally in some foods at low levels but when mixed with ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, the preservative converts to benzene, a known carcinogen. A carcinogen is a substance that is capable of causing cancer in humans or animal.  Some “natural” foods include soy or corn, which are some of the most commonly genetically modified crops we know of.

“Natural” foods can also contain “natural flavors and colors.” This term is often used for flavors and colors derived from natural sources, but which are often processed in a lab like artificial flavors. And what about the ingredient cellulose? I’m sure you have read that on the back of some of your “natural” foods. Well cellulose is molecule found in the cellular structure of virtually all plant matter. Sounds ok, right? Well when it comes to your “natural”  granola bars and cereals, cellulose is added to up the fiber content and is made from nontoxic wood pulp or cotton. Gross, right?! After all wood and cotton are “natural.” Well so are lead and arsenic!

Just remember “natural” doesn’t always mean better or healthier. It is a term that is greatly abused and misused as a marketing tool. Food companies know that consumers are becoming more health conscious and that they need to change their packaging to become more appealing. The truth is the potato chips you bought five years ago are the same one you are buying now; they are just in a fancy bag with the word “natural” on them. And they have not suddenly become healthy! 

Want to eat healthy? Read the fine print, do some research, and educate yourself.