Want to get healthy but think it’s hard? It may be as simple as reading a label.

by Page Remick

© Page Remick – All Rights reserved
www.purezing.com

Right now, labels are more misleading than informative. Consumers Union did a nationwide survey regarding consumer’s perceptions of whether artificial ingredients were contained in food labeled 'Organic' or ‘Made with Organic’. The results were a startling statement of blind trust and ignorance: 85% of consumers do not expect food labeled ‘Organic’ to contain any artificial ingredients.

With ‘double-speak’ unfortunately being common, can you accurately decipher what a label means? If your health and longevity are important to you, then quickly being able to crack the confusing label code is essential.

Certified 100% Organic

To qualify as 100% Organic, a product must contain 100% organically produced ingredients, not counting salt and water. No Genetically Engineered Organisms (GEO's) or synthetic fertilizers are allowed. Since a product may or may not display the USDA Organic seal (which is only allowed on 100% Organic products), we suggest if you want 100% organic that you look for the name of a certifying agency: their seal often found on the back of organic products. From growing to processing and packaging, the 100% organic product is additive, pesticide, and GM-free.

Organic

When the label simply states 'Organic’ this means at least 95% of the ingredients, by either weight or volume, not including salt and water, are organic. It must not contain added sulfites. The remaining ingredients, making up less than 5% of the total ingredients may be synthetic or chemical additives, but must be clearly listed on the ingredient panel. Meeting the 95% gains the product the title of ‘Organic.’

Uncloaking the phrase, “Made with Organic Ingredients”

If a product has the words ‘Made with Organic Ingredients’, it is not eligible to have the USDA Organic seal, yet, may have up to three organic ingredients on the label. It also requires at least 70% of ingredients be grown, processed and packed in accordance with organic standards and must not contain added sulfites. The other 30% of the ingredients can be synthetic, chemicals or color or flavor additives!

The Not So Free-Range

The Federal Drug Administration defines 'free-range’ or ‘free-roaming’ as animals that have access to the outdoors. This could include chickens merely sitting in a large room with the door open for five minutes, regardless of whether they actually go outside. Read labels carefully if you want animals that live outdoors and forage naturally as it makes all the difference in their health as well as the nutrient value of their meat and eggs.

What’s So ‘Natural’ About It?

Most of us think of 'Natural' and 'Organic' as one in the same. They are not. While ‘natural’ food can be grown using pesticides and even be genetically engineered, it may not be processed and packed with preservatives or additives.

And you thought that getting healthier had to be hard. Not when you know the secrets to label double-speak!