When is a Health Food Not a Health Food?

Hi,

Do you eat health foods?  Are they really healthy for you?

If it is grown by nature, like an apple, then it is a health food.  However, in today's era of pesticides it is always best to eat organic fruits and vegetables.  Or at least rinse them off really well.

What about processed foods and things that are added to the health foods you eat?  Have you ever read the labels of some of the health bars or breakfast bars?

They have so many chemicals in them to help preserve their freshness or add flavor, that they really can't be called food, let alone health food. 

Most of you have probably heard of HFCS or high fructose corn syrup and realize that it is not good for you in any way, shape or form. 

But, what about agave nectar?  Agave syrup (from the nectar) is now being touted as the greatest natural sweetner and food additive around.

But, it it?  The short answer is no.

The nectar is cooked and as such is fractionalized and processed.  The end result is that it only has a fraction of the original nutrients of the plant. 

Since agave costs more to manufacture then other syrups, some unscrupulous manufacturers water down the agave with our favorite corn syrup (HFCS).

And as with any sugar it also raises your blood sugar levels.   This is especially true when these syrups are concentrated in health bars, cereals and other processed foods. 

So stick with, or start eating more, foods that are grown.  Stay away from foods, or start reducing them, that are man made.  Do this and you will truly have a health food diet. 

Thanks,

Mike Val
http://www.valshealthsite.com/