Deciphering the USDA Dietary Guidelines

In 2005, the USDA unveiled their new Dietary Guidelines for Americans. With its emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables as well as physical activity, this new "Steps to a Healthier You" version is a definite improvement over the old pyramid.

Eating natural and organic foods combines perfectly with the new USDA Dietary Guidelines. The Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that:

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

Natural and organic products in their purest state — unadulterated by artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings, hydrogenated fats and preservatives — are the best tasting and most nutritious foods available. Eating according to the Guidelines can only be made better by choosing natural and organic products.

Safe Grains for Celiacs

Current scientific consensus is that rice and corn (maize) are considered safe. In addition, millet, sorghum, teff, and ragi are thought to be close enough to corn in their genetic make-up to be safe, although more research is needed to fully confirm this. Other grains suspected, but not proven, to be safe for those with celiac disease include buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa and rape.

Our Gluten-Free Shopping Lists

We've put together extensive lists of gluten-free products available at each Whole Foods Market location. As your partner in good health, we're committed to bringing you the highest quality products available for any diet.

Ingredients Change: We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible, however, we cannot be held responsible for individual reactions to any products nor can we guarantee the absence of cross-contamination. Always read the label and/or check with the manufacturer. Our gluten-free shopping list is only a guide to assist you in your shopping for products available for your dietary needs. The information provided here is for educational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as medical advice. Please keep in mind that there are products available in this category that may not be shown on our list.

Our Quality Standards For Body Care

• We carefully evaluate each and every product we sell.
• We feature products that are free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and hydrogenated oils.
• We are committed to offering research-driven dietary supplements that have a proven track record.
• We provide nutritional products that support the health and well-being of our customers and the environment.
• We are committed to ensuring that the products we sell are labeled legally based upon DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act of 1994), FTC Truth in Labeling laws, and all associated FDA regulations. Our Body Care Quality Standards
• We carefully evaluate each and every product we sell.
• We are passionate about aromatic, luxurious, effective personal care products and the pleasure of sharing them with others.
• We encourage our vendor partners to use plant-based and naturally-derived ingredients, pure essential oil fragrances, gentle preservatives and non-petroleum ingredients.
• We are committed to high-quality body care products that have a proven track record.
• We only sell personal care products that have not been tested on animals.
• We provide personal care products that support health and well-being.

Top 10 Reasons to Go Organic

Source: Organic Trade Association, www.ota.com

1. Organic products meet stringent standards - Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.
2. Organic food tastes great! - It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.
3. Organic production reduces health risks - Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.
4. Organic farms respect our water resources - The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.
5. Organic farmers build healthy soil - Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.
6. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature - Organic agriculture respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.
7. Organic producers are leaders in innovative research - Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.
8. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity - The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.
9. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy - USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.
10. Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike! - Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.