Have you been wondering if all natural and organic goods are better for you?
If you are dealing with food or environmental allergies, it may be time to look into the products you are using. All natural products typically contain less ingredients and are free from chemicals, dyes and other irritants. Organic goods, that have an organic seal, are required to pass strict guidelines to obtain such a seal.
More information on the terms all natural and organic are outlined below.
All Natural
All natural is a widely used term to describe foods and products that are minimally processed and do not contain manufactured ingredients. The US Food and Drug Administration has not developed a definition for the use of the term natural or its derivatives, therefore there aren’t strict guidelines covering the use of the term. However, many companies do not use “All Natural” on their product labels without reason. Your best bet is to always read the label and ingredients thoroughly.
Organic
In the United States, Organic Goods have strict production and labeling requirements.
Most organic products must meet the following requirements:
- Produced without excluded methods (e.g., genetic engineering), ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge.
- Produced per the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List).
- Overseen by a USDA National Organic Program- authorized certifying agent, following all USDA organic regulations.
There are several other guidelines and rules regarding the use of the term “organic” or “made with organic ingredients”. If you see the USDA Organic seal on a product you are interested in, it is considered organic certified. However, keep in mind that companies must pay a fee to receive that seal. Many small companies have organic or near organic products without the seal.
Why All Natural & Organic Goods Might Be Better
Many individuals have a difficult time pinpointing what they are allergic to within a food. Only the top 8 allergens are required on a food label in the United States. If you are having reactions to a food, it’s possible the reaction is from additives, dyes or other ingredients that might not be listed on the ingredient label. All natural and organic foods are typically less processed and may help to alleviate some allergic triggers or mild reactions.
In the case of environmental and skin allergies, additives and perfumes may be the cause. All natural and organic goods are minimally processed and typically contain less ingredients. Many are even fragrance free.
Where to Purchase
All natural and organic goods are now more readily available than ever. You can find all natural and organic sections in grocery stores. There are also natural food stores that cater specifically to organic and all natural products.
If you prefer to shop online, there are numerous online stores that offer all natural and organic goods. One such store is Growfoo, an online farmers market where you can buy and sell all natural goods. For more information and to visit their site, click on growfoo.com.
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