Blog #28: Buzzwords
I met with a client recently, and they used a lot of “buzzwords” during the meeting. This week, let’s break down these buzzwords. First, what is a buzzword? Usually, a buzzword is a word or a phrase used that is popular, fashionable, or points out a particular characteristic. These buzzwords can be seen as popular in cultural use, or can be seen as trendy. Buzzwords can also highlight a part of the good to make it more marketable. We also these phrases as “marketing terms.” However, these words and phrases can make healthy eating all the more confusing. Companies can also use buzzwords on their packaging to distract you from the other unhealthy parts of the product. Let’s discuss some words that are very popular in the nutrition world:
Organic - this one has been around a lot, but has then most legal background. According to the USDA, organic foods or food products are from animals that have not been given antibiotics or growth hormones, while organic plants are grown without conventional pesticides, fertilizers, synthetic ingredients, or other harmful chemicals. A certified official from the government has to approve the farm and the practices to be certified as organic. However, the public may not know that there are three different tiers of organic. The first is 100% organic, meaning the product is absolutely and completely organic. These products will have the USDA Organic seal on the package. The second tier is Organic, meaning that at least 95% of the product or its ingredients are organic, and warranted an Organic seal as well. The third tier is Made with Organic Ingredients, meaning at least 70% of the product or the ingredients are certified organic. This tier cannot receive an Organic seal, however companies can put “made with organic ingredients” on the package. Also, conventional pesticides may not be used in the growth of the food, but that does not mean ALL pesticide use is out. The farmer, grower, or the company could still use pesticides to grow foods, but they may meet organic legal criteria. I’m convinced the companies just slap “organic” on their labels to justify you buying a more expensive product. I will let you in on a secret: I do not buy organic, because I can still eat healthy without draining my money. If you want to buy organic, that is your choice and that is your money; you spend it on what you want. But then do not gloat about how there are no pesticide use in that organic product, because there might be some!
Natural - many government departments regulate products and health claims, however “natural” is hard to define and classify. The FDA states that natural means there is nothing artificial or synthetic included in, or added to, the food. However, this does not apply to the production methods, or to the pesticide use. The USDA states natural can be used to label flavorings.
Processed - we have all heard that processed foods are terrible for you, and should be avoided. In part, this is true. However, the word “processed” can also be used for many foods or food products. Processed foods include those with extra salt or sugar added. In contrast, the food could have been processed, when really the food was just washed or pre-chopped. I tell my clients all the time that frozen fruits and vegetables are great resources, but they technically count as “processed” foods. Tofu also counts as a “processed” food, and yet people still find ways to use it in daily life. It’s best to learn what kinds of food products have too much salt or sugar in them, and avoid those products as best as possible.
Whole - this means the food or food product was not very processed, and was not added with other ingredients. However, there is no official governmental regulation for this term. Basically, a food that has not changed from its original form, like any fresh produce.
Local - this really needs no explanation. Local just means the food or food product was grown close to where you live. It is a big push to eat local and to support local farmers. However, the distance has not been classified by government officials. For example, I could see as “eating local” within a 25 mile radius from where I live, while others will see “eating local” within a 50 mile radius.
Immunity Support - There are a lot of food products that will have this on the packaging. However, the company is not naming a particular disease or condition on the label. The company can make this kind of claim as long as they do not specifically name a disease, since the FDA will not have much insight on this kind of behavior. Best to pick foods or food products that are high in vitamins and minerals (cough cough, fruits and vegetables), or choose a multi-vitamin.
Lower Sugar - a lot of companies have added “low sugar”, “sugar free”, or “zero sugar” to the labels of many products, however this does not mean it’s low calorie, or calorie free. Yes, the sugar may be less, but that does not mean you can eat more than one serving size. Also, the sugar will be substituted for something else, and usually the sugar substitutes can cause GI issues in people who have sensitive stomachs, or who are sensitive to the sugar substitute.
Superfoods - this one I have heard about a lot, and it gets on my nerves. Short and sweet: there is no such thing as a superfood. That term is made-up. These foods that are known as “superfoods” are just nutrient dense and have some health benefits. If your product has to yell at you that it has superfoods in it, then it is trying way too hard. Just grab some berries in the produce section, and you technically grabbed a “superfood” without wasting your money or going over your calorie goals.
Non-GMO foods - this means that the food product has not been genetically modified in any way. These foods occur naturally without any intervention to their genetics. However, just because a product says they are non-GMO, does not mean they may have some GMO ingredients in it. Possible contamination can lead to GMO ingredients getting into the product. However, research has shown us that GMO and non-GMO foods are fine and safe to eat. Non-GMO foods are no better than GMO!
My best advice to navigate through all of the buzzwords: read the food label on the back, see the nutrition label, and read the ingredients. You can still buy foods that are not fancy or expensive, and still reach your health goals.
Practical Ways for Peachy Living:
1) Read your food labels to make sure the food companies are not hiding anything from you
2) Do not believe every buzzword you hear. That’s why they are called “buzzwords”; it’s to get your attention and your money.
