Food Labels

Most of us look at the labels on the food we buy. There are certain trigger words that we love to see and that creates a positive signal in our brain. Such as: Organic, all natural, no additives, healthy etc. It makes us feel like we are making the right choice for our body and the environment. It is important to keep in mind that every big company out there is trying to create that feeling so we are more inclined to put their products in our shopping basket. In some cases, they have cleverly gone around what their label legally can and cannot say in order to make it as appealing as possible in the consumer’s eye even though there still are ingredients in there that are bad for both our body and the environment. And in other cases some companies say exactly what and who they are and you can rest assured that consuming their products are good for both you and the environment.

For example, when looking at meat, collagen or dairy products, having the label Grass-fed only means that the cows were fed grass at some point in their diet. It does not mean that the cows were pastured raised or not fed GMO grains.

Having the label Organic is usually your safest bet in both meat and other food products. It is still a good idea to turn the package around to look at all the ingredients in there to make sure it is in fact all organic and natural.

Here are a few ingredients to look out for when looking at ingredients:

• Partially hydrogenated oil

• Palm oil

• Sodium Nitrite

• Aspartame

• Phosphoric Acid

• High Fructose Corn Syrup

• Artificial sweetener

• Food colorants

• Sodium and potassium benzoate

• Butylated Hydroxyanisole

If you can look at an ingredient, pronounce it and know what it is- You know you are purchasing the right product. The least processed, the better it is for you. After looking at different companies and products, you will be able to find (if you haven’t already) companies that you trust and that produce products you are happy with. In turn, you will be able to pick up their products without looking and feel safe in putting them in your shopping cart.

Food labels don’t stop at products that we eat. A lot of body care products contain non-natural ingredients such as xenoestrogens which are estrogen mimicking compounds that act just like estrogen in our body- Disrupting our hormonal system as well as adding extra work for our liver.

Ingredients to watch out for in your body care products:

• Parabens

• Artificial Fragrance/Perfume

• Oxybenzone

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate

• Polyethylene Glycol

• Toluene

• Formaldehyde

• Phthalates

• Triclosan

• Diethanolamine

You can keep these lists with you while you go shopping. If you have any questions, please come in to your closest location to ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff about their favourite natural brands and products! We will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. See you soon!

Nino Euzen- Wellness Lead.