When it comes to improving your health through nutrition, the variety of titles and roles can be confusing. Two commonly misunderstood terms are “functional nutritionist” and a “registered dietitian” who specializes in functional nutrition. While both aim to support health through personalized dietary guidance, they differ significantly in their training, expertise, and scope of practice. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right professional for your needs.
What Is Functional Nutrition?
Functional nutrition focuses on a holistic, food-as-medicine approach to health. It emphasizes identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than merely managing symptoms. This personalized strategy considers bio-individuality, meaning that no two nutrition plans are exactly alike.
Core Principles of Functional Nutrition:
Treats food as medicine to support overall well-being.
Aims to uncover the root causes of health conditions.
Considers lifestyle, environment, and diet in creating personalized plans.
Not All Nutritionists Are Dietitians, However, All Dietitians Are Nutritionists
Before diving deeper, it’s important to clarify a common misconception: not all nutritionists are dietitians, but all registered dietitians are nutritionists.The term “nutritionist” is often unregulated in many states, meaning anyone can use the title without formal qualifications.
In contrast, registered dietitians (RDNs) must complete rigorous education, clinical training, licensure, and certification processes. This distinction ensures that RDNs are held to the highest professional standards.
What Is a Functional Nutritionist?
A functional nutritionist typically adopts the principles of functional nutrition to guide clients toward better health. However, the title “functional nutritionist” is not a regulated term in most places. This means that qualifications and expertise can vary widely.
Training and Credentials
May hold certifications or degrees from programs focused on holistic nutrition or alternative medicine.
Training is not standardized, so the level of expertise can differ significantly.
In many cases, they are not required to complete formal clinical training or licensure.
Scope of Practice
Functional nutritionists primarily focus on wellness and general dietary advice. They may offer support for conditions like digestive issues, fatigue, or weight management but might not be equipped to address complex medical conditions or provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT).
Limitations
Without standardized credentials or licensure, functional nutritionists may lack the necessary training to safely navigate cases involving chronic diseases, medication interactions, or specialized dietary needs.
What Is a Registered Dietitian Who Specializes in Functional Nutrition
A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a licensed healthcare professional with extensive training in nutrition science and clinical practice. When specializing in functional nutrition, Registered dietitians combine evidence-based approaches with holistic principles to provide comprehensive care.
Training and Credentials
To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), individuals must:
Complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition or dietetics from an accredited institution.
Undergo a supervised dietetic internship with at least 1,200 hours of clinical training.
Pass a national credentialing exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Maintain licensure through continuing education.
RDNs specializing in functional nutrition go a step further by integrating holistic practices while adhering to the rigorous standards of evidence-based care.
Scope of Practice
Provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for managing medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, eating disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Create personalized nutrition plans that address root causes of health concerns.
Safely manage complex cases, including those involving medication interactions or food allergies.
Collaborate with healthcare teams such as medical doctors, pharmacists, social workers, and licensed therapist to ensure comprehensive, integrative care.
Key Differences Between Functional Nutritionists vs. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
Aspect
Functional Nutritionist
Registered Dietitian Specializing in Functional Nutrition
Training & Credentials
Varies widely; may lack formal licensure.
Requires accredited education, clinical training, and licensure.
Scope of Practice
General wellness advice; limited in addressing medical conditions.
Comprehensive care, including medical nutrition therapy.
Regulation
Not a regulated title in most areas.
Profession is strictly regulated.
Focus
Holistic but not always evidence-based.
Holistic and evidence-based, ensuring safety.
Key Advantages of Choosing a Dietitian:
Evidence-Based Practices: RDNs adhere to scientifically validated approaches to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Regulated Care: As licensed professionals, they follow strict ethical guidelines.
Collaborative Approach: Registered Dietitians often work closely with other healthcare providers, offering comprehensive and integrative care.
Accept Health Insurance– As licensed healthcare professionals, we can accept insurance and bill for our nutrition counseling services.
Why Does Choosing A Functional Nutritionist or Dietitian Matter?
When seeking nutritional guidance, it’s essential to consider the complexity of your needs. For general wellness advice or basic dietary changes, a functional nutritionist may suffice. However, if you are managing a chronic condition, require medical nutrition therapy, or need a scientifically-backed approach, an RD specializing in functional nutrition is the safer and more reliable choice.
The Importance of Regulation
Unregulated advice from a non-licensed provider can sometimes lead to harm, especially in cases of:
Medication interactions
Undiagnosed medical conditions
Use of unverified supplements
Registered dietitians bring a regulated, evidence-based approach to functional nutrition, ensuring that your care is safe, effective, and tailored to your health goals.
Choosing a Registered Dietitian vs. a Nutritionist in Mississippi
In Mississippi, the term “nutritionist” is not regulated, which means anyone can use this title without having formal education or licensure. On the other hand, “registered dietitian” (RD) is a protected title that requires specific qualifications, training, and state licensure.
Registered Dietitian (RD): To become a Registered Dietitian, individuals must complete a degree in nutrition or dietetics from an accredited institution, complete a supervised internship with at least 1,200 clinical hours, and pass a national exam.
RDs are licensed by the state and are held to strict ethical and professional standards. In Mississippi, Registered Dietitians are regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Nutritionist: Unlike Registered Dietitians, the title “nutritionist” is not regulated in Mississippi. This means that individuals can use the term regardless of their formal education or qualifications.
While some nutritionists may have certifications or relevant training, the lack of regulation means their credentials and expertise can vary significantly.
Keep In Mind
While both functional nutritionists and registered dietitians who specialize in functional nutrition aim to improve health through personalized dietary strategies, their training and qualifications set them apart.
Functional nutritionists may offer holistic guidance, but their expertise and scope of practice can vary. On the other hand, registered dietitians specializing in functional nutrition provide the best of both worlds: holistic principles grounded in evidence-based science.
When seeking nutritional guidance, consider consulting a registered dietitian to ensure you receive safe, effective, and evidence-based advice tailored to your health needs.
At Core Nutrition Health and Wellness, our registered dietitians are licensed healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive nutritional care and accept most health plans making access to expert nutrition care affordable.
Schedule an appointment with our dietitians to ensure that your care is safe, effective, tailored to your unique health needs, and guided by licensed healthcare professionals who are also known as the food and nutrition experts.
In today’s busy world, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a staple for many people due to their convenience. However, these foods often come with hidden health risks. Regular consumption has been linked to serious health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. To make healthier choices, it’s essential to understand what ultra-processed foods are and how they impact your health.
What are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods, as defined by the NOVA classification system, are products made with few whole ingredients and loaded with artificial additives like preservatives, sweeteners, and colorings. In addition, they often contain high amounts of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium.
Examples of Ultra-Processed Foods:
Sugary drinks: Sodas and energy drinks.
Packaged snacks: Chips, cookies, and candy bars.
Fast food: Burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets.
Breakfast cereals: Pre-sweetened or flavored varieties.
Processed meats: Bacon, sausages, and deli slices.
Instant meals: Frozen pizzas, ready-made dinners, and instant noodles.
The Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods
While UPFs may seem convenient, they can negatively affect your health in several ways. Regular consumption has been linked to the following health risks:
Cancer: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reports a connection between UPFs and increased cancer risk due to harmful additives.
Diabetes: Frequent UPF consumption has been associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Heart Disease: High levels of sugar, trans fats, and sodium in UPFs contribute to cardiovascular issues and hypertension.
Obesity: The energy-dense, nutrient-poor nature of UPFs often leads to overeating and weight gain.
Weight Gain and Obesity: A Growing Concern
One of the most alarming consequences of consuming ultra-processed foods is their contribution to weight gain. Research conducted by the IARC on nearly 350,000 adults found that participants who ate the most UPFs had a 15% greater risk of becoming overweight after five years compared to those who ate fewer UPFs.
Why does this happen? Foods like sugary cereals, chips, and candy bars are designed to be highly palatable but lack the fiber and protein that keep you full. For instance, eating a sugary cereal for breakfast might leave you hungry an hour later, increasing your chances of snacking on more processed foods throughout the day.
How to Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods in Your Diet
Fortunately, avoiding UPFs doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small changes to your eating habits, you can significantly reduce your intake of these unhealthy options.
Focus on Whole Foods: Base your meals around minimally processed options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Cook at Home: Preparing meals from scratch allows you to control what goes into your food. Start with easy recipes and fresh ingredients.
Read Labels: Avoid products with long ingredient lists filled with artificial additives and refined sugars.
Opt for Fresh or Frozen Produce: Choose fresh fruits and vegetables or minimally processed frozen options without added sauces or seasonings.
Choose Natural Proteins: Replace processed meats like bacon or hot dogs with lean meats, fish, tofu, or legumes.
Keep in Mind
Although ultra-processed foods are convenient, their frequent consumption can harm your health. These products are strongly associated with chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
To protect your health, prioritize nutrient-dense, whole foods and limit your intake of UPFs. If you’re unsure where to start, our personalized nutrition counseling services can help. By adopting healthier eating habits, you can reduce your risk of chronic disease and improve your overall well-being.
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, with over 2 billion cups enjoyed every day. If you drink coffee on a daily basis, it’s crucial to choose the right roast and brand to ensure you get the best health benefits.
Coffee is packed with antioxidants and brain-boosting caffeine, supporting cardio-metabolic health when consumed in moderation. However, the type of roast and brewing method can significantly influence the health advantages you gain from your daily cup. With that in mind, we’ll explore the health benefits of coffee and help you choose the best roast for gut health, sustainability, and purity.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Research shows that coffee offers several health benefits due to its high levels of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Key benefits include:
Rich in Antioxidants: Coffee is full of polyphenols, like chlorogenic acid, which reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress. As a result, this may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Boosts Brain Function: Caffeine improves alertness, focus, and memory. Regular coffee drinking has been linked to a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Supports Heart Health: A 2024 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that drinking three cups of coffee per day lowers the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Reduces Cancer Risk: Coffee has been associated with a lower risk of liver and colorectal cancers, thanks to its antioxidants.
The roasting process affects not only the flavor but also the health benefits of coffee. Let’s break it down:
Light Roast Coffee
Flavor: Fruity, acidic, and bright.
Health Benefits: Light roasts retain the highest levels of antioxidants, including chlorogenic acids, which may offer neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
Caffeine Content: Slightly higher than dark roast, as the beans are roasted for less time.
Medium Roast Coffee
Flavor: Balanced with moderate acidity and a smooth mouthfeel.
Health Benefits: Medium roasts offer a balance between flavor and antioxidant content. It’s a good choice if you want some health benefits without the high acidity of light roast.
Caffeine Content: Moderate.
Dark Roast Coffee
Flavor: Bold, smoky, and rich.
Health Benefits: While dark roasts contain fewer antioxidants, they have more N-methylpyridinium (NMP). This compound reduces stomach acid, making dark roast a good choice for sensitive stomachs.
Caffeine Content: Lower than light and medium roasts, as more caffeine burns off during roasting.
Best Coffee Roast for Gut Health
If you’re concerned about gut health, dark roast coffee may be a better option. Studies show that dark roasts contain higher levels of NMP, a compound that reduces stomach acid production, making it easier on the digestive system, especially for those prone to acid reflux or other digestive issues.
Additionally, research suggest that caffeine can worsen symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in some individuals, so opting for a dark roast with lower caffeine may help minimize discomfort.
Tip: Drink coffee with food to minimize stomach discomfort. If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive issues, consider consulting with our gut health dietitian for personalized advice and solutions. Book a consultation and start resolving your digestive issues.
Tips for Keeping Your Coffee Healthy
While coffee can offer many health benefits, it’s important to remember that what you add to your cup can diminish those advantages. Follow these tips to keep your coffee healthy:
Limit Sugar and Cream: Adding sugar, cream, or flavored syrups can turn a healthy beverage into a high-calorie drink. Opt for plant-based milk (like almond or oat) or unsweetened milk.
Avoid Artificial Sweeteners: These can disrupt gut bacteria, even though they reduce calories. Natural alternatives like stevia or honey are better options.
Choose High-Quality Beans: Low-quality beans may contain harmful substances, like mycotoxins, which are produced by mold.
Select Toxin-Free Coffee: Ensuring Quality and Purity
Mycotoxins, particularly Ochratoxin A (OTA), are toxic byproducts of mold that can contaminate coffee beans if stored improperly. These toxins can harm liver and kidney health. A 2018 study emphasized the importance of sourcing high-quality coffee to avoid these contaminants.
Here’s a few simple tips on how to reduce your exposure to mycotoxins:
Choose Organic Coffee: Organic coffee is grown without synthetic chemicals and is usually processed under better conditions, lowering the risk of mold growth.
Buy Single-Origin Coffee: Single-origin beans are often processed more carefully and are easier to trace, making contamination less likely.
Purchase from Reputable Brands: Some brands test specifically for mycotoxins. Look for specialty brands that prioritize both safety and quality. While specialty brands that conduct third-party purity testing may come at a higher price, prioritizing your health makes this investment worthwhile.
What to Look for When Buying Coffee
Beyond health benefits, it’s important to consider the ethical and environmental impact of your coffee. With that said, here are a few factors to keep in mind:
Organic Coffee
Why It Matters: Organic coffee is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, reducing harmful chemicals in your cup and benefiting the environment.
Fair Trade Certified
Why It Matters: Fair Trade certification ensures farmers are paid fairly, supporting ethical labor practices and sustainable farming communities.
Sustainable Coffee
Why It Matters: Coffee farming has a significant environmental impact. Brands that focus on shade-grown or sustainable farming practices help protect biodiversity and reduce environmental degradation.
Single-Origin Coffee
Why It Matters: Single-origin coffee offers transparency about where the beans come from, providing more control over quality and ethical standards.
Keep In Mind
When consumed in moderation, coffee can provide a range of health benefits, from improving heart and brain health to aiding digestion. To maximize these benefits, choose the right roast for your health needs and be mindful of what you add. For example, dark roast coffee, with its gut-friendly compounds, may be ideal for those with sensitive stomachs, while light roast retains the highest antioxidant levels.
In addition, consider opting for organic, fair trade, and sustainably sourced coffee to support both your health and the environment. By following these tips, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier cup of coffee every day.
Functional foods are a growing trend in health and wellness, offering benefits beyond basic nutrition. But what exactly are they, and why should you include them in your diet? In this blog post, we’ll explore what functional foods are, the different types, and how they can improve your health.
What Are Functional Foods?
Functional foods provide more than just essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. They contain bioactive compounds that boost health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote overall well-being.
These foods can be either natural or fortified. Natural functional foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish, which are packed with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and probiotics. Fortified functional foods have added nutrients, like calcium-enriched orange juice or probiotic-enhanced yogurt.
Types of Functional Foods
Functional foods can be grouped based on their nutritional benefits:
Probiotic-Rich Foods
Yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables are rich in probiotics. These live bacteria support gut health, balance the microbiome, and aid digestion. (Nutrients)
Prebiotic-Rich Foods
Prebiotic foods play a critical role in gut health, making them an essential category of functional foods. Prebiotics are types of non-digestible fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping them grow and thrive. Unlike probiotics, which introduce live bacteria into your system, prebiotics serve as food for the existing good bacteria in your gut. This makes them just as important for maintaining a balanced, healthy microbiome. (Foods)
Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Rich Foods
Fatty fish like salmon and plant-based foods like chia seeds, are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Whole grains, legumes, and vegetables contain high levels of fiber. Fiber promotes digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Berries, nuts, dark chocolate, and green tea are excellent sources of antioxidants. These compounds neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from damage and aging.
Health Benefits of Functional Foods
Functional foods are more than a marketing trend. They offer real health benefits, such as:
Improved Digestion
Probiotics and fiber improve digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome. They can also help prevent issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.
Heart Health
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, lower blood pressure and triglycerides. They also reduce the risk of heart disease.
Enhanced Immune Function
Garlic, ginger, and mushrooms are functional foods that contain immune-boosting compounds. They help your body fight infections more effectively.
Weight Management
Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits promote fullness. This makes it easier to control hunger and manage your weight.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
Antioxidants in foods like berries and nuts lower the risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. They do this by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
How to Add Functional Foods to Your Diet
Incorporating functional foods into your diet is easier than you think. Here are some simple tips:
Start with Breakfast: Replace sugary cereals with whole grains. Add chia or flax seeds to smoothies, and top your yogurt with antioxidant-rich berries.
Add Fermented Foods: Include sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir in your meals to boost probiotic intake and improve gut health.
Snack Smart: Choose nutrient-dense snacks like nuts, seeds, or dark chocolate instead of processed options.
Eat the Rainbow: Fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients.
Include Fatty Fishor Vegan Sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Try to eat fatty fish like wild-caught salmon twice a week to benefit from omega-3 fatty acids or add hemp seeds, walnuts, or flaxseeds to salads or smoothies.
The Future of Functional Foods
Research continues to uncover the link between diet and health, making functional foods a key part of preventive medicine. The demand for foods that offer more than basic nutrition is driving innovation in fortified products that enhance health.
Keep In Mind
Functional foods do more than provide nourishment—they support overall health and well-being. By adding fiber, omega-3s, and immune-boosting foods to your diet, you can take control of your long-term health and wellness.
Making informed food choices is crucial for promoting both personal health and environmental sustainability. When we consider where our food comes from and how it’s produced, we empower ourselves to make decisions that benefit not only our own well-being but also our environment.
From Farm to Table: Understanding the Journey of Your Food
Understanding the journey of your food, from farm to table and making informed food choices, while embracing sustainability, is multifaceted and intertwines personal health and environmental stewardship. Each step in this journey involves making informed food choices that prioritize both individual well-being and the planet’s vitality.
Sustainability involves practices that uphold the ecological balance of our planet, ensuring the longevity of natural resources while promoting human health. From the selection of seeds to the harvesting of crops, every decision made by farmers contributes to the sustainability of our food system.
Informed food Choices & Sustainability
As consumers, our role in the journey is equally significant. Through informed food choices, we have the power to influence the course of our food’s journey. Opting for locally sourced, organically grown produce and supporting farmers who prioritize sustainable practices are integral steps in this process.
Also, embracing sustainability in our food journey extends beyond just consumption. It involves fostering a deeper connection with the food we eat, understanding its origins, and appreciating the efforts of those involved in its production.
In essence, sustainability is a collaborative venture that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human health and environmental well-being. By making informed food choices rooted in sustainability, we not only nourish our bodies but also cultivate a healthier planet for future generations.
Why It Matters
In today’s world, the concept of sustainability has transcended beyond buzzword status; it has become a cornerstone of responsible living. But why does sustainability matter, particularly in the context of our food choices and overall health?
First and foremost, sustainability ensures the preservation of our planet’s resources for future generations. By making informed food choices that prioritize sustainability, we mitigate the depletion of natural resources such as water, soil, and energy, safeguarding the integrity of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Also, sustainability directly impacts human health. Sustainable food systems promote the consumption of nutrient-rich foods that support overall well-being. By opting for sustainably sourced fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, individuals can enhance their diets while reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Additionally, embracing sustainability fosters social equity and economic stability. Sustainable farming practices promote fair labor conditions and support local communities, ensuring that everyone involved in the food production chain receives fair compensation and opportunities for advancement.
In reality, sustainability matters because it serves as the heartbeat of a thriving, interconnected ecosystem where informed food choices lead to improved health outcomes for individuals and the planet alike. By practicing sustainability in our daily lives, we pave the way for a brighter, more resilient future.
Understanding Sustainable Farming
Sustainable farming, a cornerstone of informed food choices, goes beyond mere cultivation practices—it’s a commitment to nurturing the land while safeguarding the health of both consumers and the environment. At its core, sustainable farming prioritizes health by promoting agricultural methods that enhance soil fertility, minimize chemical inputs, and prioritize biodiversity.
In embracing sustainability, farmers adopt techniques aimed at conserving natural resources and reducing environmental impact. These methods include crop rotation, organic fertilization, and integrated pest management, which collectively foster healthier ecosystems and resilient food systems.
Also, sustainable farming champions the principle of “food with a story.” By connecting consumers with the origins of their food, it fosters transparency and trust in the agricultural process. This transparency empowers individuals to make informed food choices aligned with their values and concerns regarding health and environmental stewardship.
From reducing carbon emissions to conserving water and preserving wildlife habitats, the benefits of sustainable farming ripple far beyond the boundaries of the farm. It represents a holistic approach to food production—one that not only feeds the world but also nurtures the planet for generations to come.
Essentially, sustainable farming embodies the ethos of responsible agriculture, where the well-being of the land, the farmer, and the consumer converge in harmony. As consumers, embracing sustainability empowers us to support agricultural practices that prioritize health and environmental vitality, paving the way for a more resilient and nourished future.
The Impact of Your Purchasing Power
As consumers, the choices we make regarding the food we purchase and consume have considerable influence. Opting for locally sourced, in-season, and sustainably grown food not only contributes to our own well-being but also minimizes our ecological footprint. Shopping at farmers’ markets or participating in community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs are excellent avenues for making such choices.
Your purchasing decisions have considerable influence on the food system, shaping both personal health and the trajectory of sustainability. By making informed food choices, you not only nourish yourself but also contribute to the broader environmental and social landscape.
Consider the Impact of Food Choices
Every item you place in your shopping cart reflects a vote for the type of food system you wish to endorse. Opting for locally sourced, in-season, and sustainably grown products not only promotes your own health but also minimizes your ecological footprint. This conscious choice supports farmers who prioritize environmental stewardship and ethical practices.
Support Sustainable Practices
Choosing products with certifications such as organic or fair trade signifies your commitment to sustainability. These labels indicate that the food was produced in a manner that respects both people and the planet. By actively seeking out these designations, you incentivize businesses to adopt more environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices.
Embrace Sustainability
Embracing a mindset of mindful consumption empowers you to make choices that align with your values. Whether it’s opting for plant-based alternatives, reducing food waste, or supporting local farmers’ markets, each decision has the potential to drive positive change. Together, our collective actions can create a more equitable and sustainable food system for future generations.
Basically, your purchasing power extends far beyond the checkout counter—it’s a catalyst for change in the realm of food production and consumption. By leveraging this power to prioritize health and sustainability, you play a vital role in shaping a brighter and more resilient future for all.
Food Choices & Food Labels
Interpreting food labels empowers us to make informed food choices. Terms like “organic,” “free-range,” or “non-GMO” offer insights into how food was cultivated or processed. Familiarizing ourselves with label terminology facilitates decision-making aligned with our values and preferences.
Navigating food labels is crucial for making informed food choices that prioritize both health and sustainability. Here’s a breakdown of key terms and what they mean:
Organic: Products labeled as organic are produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Choosing organic options supports sustainability by promoting healthier soil and reducing chemical runoff into the environment.
Non-GMO: Non-GMO labels indicate that the product does not contain genetically modified ingredients. Opting for non-GMO foods supports health and helps preserve biodiversity by avoiding genetically engineered crops.
Fair Trade: Fair Trade certification ensures that products are sourced from producers who receive fair wages and work under humane conditions. Supporting Fair Trade products promotes social equity and sustainability in agricultural practices.
Grass Fed: This label indicates that animals were fed a diet primarily consisting of grass or forage. Grass-fed meat and dairy products often contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, promoting both animal welfare and human health.
Sustainable Sourced: Products labeled as sustainably sourced are harvested or produced in a manner that minimizes environmental impact and promotes long-term ecological balance. Choosing sustainably sourced foods supports health by ensuring the availability of nutritious options for future generations.
Understanding these labels empowers consumers to make informed food choices that align with their values and contribute to both personal health and global sustainability.
Key Takeaways
To sum it up, making informed food choices involves considering various factors beyond taste and convenience. By understanding the journey of food from farm to table, prioritizing sustainability, and paying attention to label information, we can contribute to both personal well-being and environmental preservation.
Let’s celebrate National Nutrition Month® by embracing choices that go beyond the dining table, nurturing our bodies, communities, and the planet at large.
Whether your goal is to improve your health through nutrition or live a more sustainable lifestyle, we are committed to supporting you in achieving your health and wellness goals. Call or book an appointment.
Not to worry, these hemp seeds won’t get you high-but they will provide a lot of health promoting nutrients. While hemp is a variety of the cannabis (marijuana) plant, hemp seeds have little to none of the psychoactive compound THC that’s found in marijuana. Technically, the seeds are a nut and are super-nutritious in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various minerals. They can be eaten raw, or used to make milk, oil, cheese substitutes, or protein powder.
1. May Help You Sleep Better
Hemp is very.high in magnesium, which is a mineral that naturally helps your muscles to relax and promotes restorative sleep. Its nutrient profile helps to support high quality sleep because the combination of the amino acid tryptophan and vitamin B6 which serves as a precursor for melatonin. To promote good quality sleep, I recommend consuming a serving a few hours before bed.
2. May Reduce PMS & Menopause Symptoms
Tired of the cramping, mood swings, and cravings? Hemp Seeds have essential fatty acids (EFA) which may help alleviate the vast majority of your PMS symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the psychiatric symptoms of PMS including depression, anxiety, and lack of concentration and may also reduce the somatic symptoms of PMS including bloating, headache, and breast tenderness. Because hemp seeds are high in GLA several studies have indicated that they may reduce menopausal symptoms too.
3. May Protect Your Heart
Hemp seeds contain high amounts of arginine, which turns into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide makes your blood vessels dilate and relax which can lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart disease. The gamma-linolenic acid found in hemp seeds has been linked to reduced inflammation which may decrease your risk of heart disease.
4. Can Improve Skin Disorders
Anti-inflammatory compounds in hemp seeds may help conditions such as atopic dermatitis and acne which can result from chronic inflammation. Acne may be linked to dietary causes and a deficiency in omega-3s. The high omega-3 content in hemp seeds may help to manage and reduce acne symptoms.
A 2018 review investigated the effects of dietary changes on skin diseases. While they found evidence that eating more omega-3s may improve symptoms of acne, determining the extent of the effect will need more research.
5. Provides A Great Source of Protein
A 30 gram serving (3 Tablespoons) of raw hemp seeds contains almost 10 grams of plant-based protein. They contain all nine essential amino acids and is well-absorbed by our bodies, according to research. Considering swapping the protein powders and add some protein-rich hemp to your smoothies or oats to switch it up.
Overall, hemp seeds are considered safe when eaten in moderation. However, if you are pregnant, taking anticoagulants, suffering from digestive issues, or recovering from cannabis dependence- discuss with your healthcare professional before adding them to your diet.
