With the advancement in the field of research and increase in consumer awareness there has been a trend for making healthy choices especially when it comes to food. Many food movements and trends gained popularity amongst various groups of people over the passage of time. However, the ultimate concern for everybody is ‘health’ and that is what fosters masses to adopt certain types of foods that are thought to be good for health – the very idea behind ‘health food’ that is colloquially known as ‘organic food’ or ‘natural food’. The movement actually started in 1920s and gained momentum in 1970s when a lot of people adopted it as a life style. What is actually meant by health food, how it is differentiated from conventional food available in markets, what are the popular health food categories and how and where one can get health food at affordable prices is the subject of this article.

Health Food: As the name indicates health food comprises of ingredients (especially protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals) that are thought to be (and are) rich in essential nutrients for one’s health. Health food contains nutrients like vitamin A, E and beta carotene that are of high value for the oxidation properties. Low calorie size is another important characteristic of health food that means one gets fewer calories in greater food amount. Health food can be natural or even processed but contains natural ingredients up to 95%. It is unadulterated and free of all the refined ingredients like refined or white floor, sweeteners, food colors, flavorings, hydrogenated oils, milled grains and is minimally processed in order to save the nutritional value of food. It excludes produce cultivated under farming practices that deteriorate the nutritional value of food.

Health Food vs. Conventional Food Items: Health food has an edge over conventional food items as it is prepared and processed using techniques that preserve freshness and nutrients found in food. During the course of conventional food manufacturing and processing essential nutrients are lost. Also traditional food contains artificial food additives that are proven to be playing a role in many diseases like obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart diseases. On the other hand health food is found to be more energy efficient and have great positive impact on our health. Just consider these ‘few’ benefits health food renders to your body:

Body loses extra fat. Cholesterol level is greatly under control. HDL cholesterol is raised that is beneficial to health whereas, LDL cholesterol level is lowered that is harmful to body. Thus, one is less prone to diseases caused by obesity.

• Immune system becomes more efficient thus, decreases the probability of falling ill. Even if one gets sick for some infection there are chances of recovering soon for body shows greater resistance against diseases if immune system is active and strong.
• It increases the life span with a decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and prostate trouble.
• It makes you beautiful and improves appearance for the natural and pure ingredients. Digestive system works efficiently which reduces acne and your skin glows; after all it is all about what we eat.
• Body becomes strong; stamina is increased and energy level is boosted.
• It has a positive impact on our mental health that is demonstrated by better performance in every field of life.
• One get rids of sleeping disorders and overall quality of sleep is improved.

Healthiest Health Foods: Health food is abundantly available in nature. Some of the popular health food items that are highly recommended and liked include organic eggs, plain yogurt (without additives), almond, walnuts and other dry fruit and seeds, berries including blueberry, strawberry, black berry and raspberry, apples, beans, coconut milk, whole grain wheat, sweet potatoes, spinach, garlic, broccoli and lentils etc.

Where to get Health Food: It is a fact that the discouraging factor in using health food is exorbitant prices. Health food items are usually 10-40% higher in price than conventional food. However, there are places where one can literally ‘buy health’ at affordable prices. Though there are ‘health food’ sections in supermarkets but these markets are costly and there are pocket friendly bargains that are just scattered around you in the form of specialized health stores, farmer’s markets, gourmet delis, community agricultural programs and food cooperatives that offer fresh and rich health food at your doorsteps for a small share of your wallet. Another option in this regard is to grow your own little farm if time and place allows; it is a great pastime and will leave a fresh and nutritionally rich produce at your disposal!