- Apr
- 19
- 2018
Cleaner eating starts with minimizing processed foods
We work hard to keep our homes free of dust, dander and other allergens. When it comes to eating, are you just as clean?
Clean eating is quite simple. Eat whole, real foods that come from plants or farm-raised animals versus –ultra-processed food products that contain synthetic chemicals, artificial ingredients and other unnatural food enhancers. As the Food and Nutrition Transformation at Northwell Health matures, our team of registered dietitians and chefs who are creating the food and nutrition guidelines, have begun eliminating artificial preservatives, colors and flavors from the foods we buy and serve, some of which pose harmful risks to our health. We’re doing all of this to provide you with cleaner food choices that support healing and well-being.
Some of the ingredients eliminated include:
Trans fat – While many food products claim to be trans fat-free, according to the FDA, a food can be listed as containing no, or 0 g, trans fat on the Nutrition Facts panel while still containing up to half a gram, or 0.5 g trans fat. Consumption of trans fat is linked with increased LDL (bad) cholesterol and risk of heart disease. To keep your heart healthy, we’re committed to removing all “hidden” sources of trans fat from Northwell’s food supply by carefully combing through ingredient labels and eliminating products containing sources of trans fat, specifically partially hydrogenated oils or hydrogenated oils. Unless an ingredient label specifically states ”fully hydrogenated” the oil is likely to contain some amount of unhealthy trans fat.
MSG – Otherwise known as monosodium glutamate, MSG is a synthetic chemical that is used to enhance the flavor of foods. While the FDA classifies MSG as a food ingredient that is “generally recognizable as safe,” since 1998, it is required to be specifically listed on ingredient labels rather than being lumped within the generic “flavorings.” Researchers have found no definitive links between MSG and harmful effects on the body; however, it is acknowledged that a small number of people may suffer adverse reactions from consuming MSG. These reactions, known as the MSG symptom complex, include headaches, flushing, sweating, nausea, numbness and weakness.
Artificial flavor – Artificial flavors are synthetic chemicals made in a lab that add various flavorings to food. (The distinction between artificial and natural flavors is small. Both are made in a lab, but natural flavors are chemicals extracted from natural sources like spices, fruit, herbs, bark, roots or animal products.) At Northwell, we’re more focused on the real flavors of whole foods rather than flavorings added to enhance the taste or smell of food products.
Artificial color – Artificial colors like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5 are man-made chemical dyes used to color foods. Synthetic dyes initially made their debut in fabrics before making their way into the foods we eat. Industrial food manufacturers have long preferred these fake versions over their natural plant-based counterparts like turmeric, annatto, berries or beets because they cost less, hold their color longer, and are much brighter. The risk of artificial colors is still out for debate. In 2008, the European Union required that all foods containing certain artificial colors bear warning labels. While studies have found links between consumption of artificial dyes with various cancers, genetic mutations or risk of neurological damage like hyperactivity in children, none have been conclusive enough to warrant the FDA to take action.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – Just another form of added sugar, high fructose corn syrup is a highly processed form of sugar that is chemically extracted from corn. With more than 80% of corn grown in the United States being genetically modified, it is also highly likely that most HFCS contains GMOs. While there’s nothing inherently harmful about HFCS, it is well known that overconsumption of sugar (of any kind) is a leading cause of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Most foods that contain these ingredients are highly processed food products that also tend to contain high amounts of sugar, salt and/or fat. The best approach to health and well-being is a diet that limits sugary and processed foods and is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.
To support you in achieving a better overall diet, Northwell is partnering with produce vendors and local farms to obtain fruits and vegetables that are sustainably grown and when possible, organic, to reduce exposure to synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
Northwell Health is committed to a three-year Food and Nutrition Transformation, presently underway — making significant changes to ensure that our patients, visitors and employees have access to food that tastes good, is good for you and supports the environment — and purchasing, cooking and serving whole, real foods is an important part of our transformation. Each day, employees have access to Northwell Healthy Choice food selections in our cafeterias that follow healthy nutrition guidelines.
This is the best thing that I have heard in many years!! It is such a great start in our journey to wellness!!
Thank you for that input, Christina. I would love to hear what exactly you are most excited about with the food and nutrition transformation? Please share here:) Stay tuned, we are announcing additional enhancements this week through June 1.
Best,
Dina