What does 'Natural' food mean?

Natural.......Organic.......Local......Do you ever feel confused about what these words mean in today's world?

Knowing what labels represent helps in making food choices. Let's begin by looking at the label 'Natural' which is often seen at supermarkets on packaged fresh, frozen and processed foods. One's first response at seeing it could easily be that natural must be best...and at a cheaper price! Maybe so---maybe not. There are pros and cons to each of these. Knowing them makes shopping so much easier! Understanding what's in---or not in---the food we choose, helps to determine what and where we buy it, and at what price.

"Natural foods is a widely used term with various meanings and no legal definition. Natural foods typically refers to foods that are minimally processed and do not contain any hormones, antibiotics, artificial sweeteners, food colors, or flavorings. Chemical compounds are often concealed under the term 'natural or artificial flavorings'. A natural substance has been extracted by chemicals. Unrefined cane sugar, raw honey, stevia, agave nectar and maple syrup are sweeteners often used in place of white sugar in a natural foods diet. Sea salt is also preferred over table salt. Proponents of natural food diets argue that refined ingredients promote obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

During the natural food movement, natural foods were made popular in America and Western Europe during the 1970's and began being referred to as 'health food'. It's principles included avoiding artificial ingredients and processed foods such as refined sugar and white flour.

Natural food is not a synonym for organic food, as organic food refers to how the food is grown--without pesticides or other chemicals---while natural food refers to the process of food.

Although in modern times the natural food diet has largely been practiced by a minority, it has frequently influenced the way the wider population eats. Many groceries, restaurants and cookbooks utilize and promote natural foods. Natural foods are sold at natural food stores, food cooperatives, and large food chain stores."

quote from Wikipedia