There is no true definition of the term health food, but most people who work in the industry would agree that health foods are foods that provide optimum nutrition or enhance the health of those who consume them. They would also say they are foods without significant amounts of substances known to be harmful to health.

There are other terms that may describe the types of foods you will find in the health food section of a store:

  • Whole foods are foods found in as close to their whole and natural state as possible. Generally, they have been minimally processed and have not had nutrients and fiber removed.
  • Natural foods are foods obtained from nature and do not have synthetic ingredients.
  • Organic foods are foods that qualify to meet the organic growing standards of the state where they are produced.

What qualifies a food to be placed in the health food section? These types of food vary from store to store.

Generally the foods in this section will have these characteristics:

  • Be less processed
  • Have fewer chemical additives, preservatives, and colorings
  • Contain less white flour and sugar
  • Have more organic ingredients
  • More than likely be grown locally
  • Be functional foods that will have specific effects on the structure or function of the body
  • Be specialty foods, such as sugar-free, wheat-free, milk-free, salt-free, additive-free and lactose-free
  • Be less likely to contain hydrogenated fats