Natural foods are foods that do not contain artificial ingredients and are minimally processed. They are usually more nutritious than refined foods. Natural foods do not include ingredients such as refined sugars, refined flours, milled grains, hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, artificial food colors, or artificial flavorings.Sucanat, stevia, raw honey, agave syrup 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 foods diets argue that refined ingredients promote obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Natural food movementNatural foods were made popular in America and Western Europe during the 1970s. Its principles include avoiding artificial ingredients and 'processed' foods such as refined sugar and white flour.Food produced or sold according to the ideals of the natural food movement is sometimes known colloquially as 'health food,' although many people also use that term in a broader sense to mean any type of healthy eating.Although in modern times the natural food diet has largely been only 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 larger chains such as Whole Foods Market.

If you’re wondering who will be the next target of the organic food movement—look no further than the family pet. Sales of all-natural and organic pet food are up significantly, according to IBISWorld Inc., a market research firm in Illinios.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Whole Foods Market Inc said on Tuesday that it will aim to end the use of disposable plastic grocery bags in all of its 270 U.S., Canada, and United Kingdom stores by April 22, Earth Day. The grocer, which features natural...

Two small format, no-frills, discount price-oriented natural foods retailers are expanding the number of stores they currently have significantly. Their target, Whole Foods Market, Inc., and supermarket shoppers who want to pay much less for natural and organic foods and groceries.

In a move that highlights their commitment to equipping their users with the best information on how to lead healthy lifestyles, MyHealthGate, Inc. (www.myhealthgate.com) has partnered with a leading natural foods company, Amy’s Kitchen (www.amys.com).

Natural Harmony Foods, Inc. (Pink Sheets: NHYF), Natural Harmony Foods met with thirty leading distributors and retailers at the recently concluded Healthy Living Foods Show in Jacksonville, Florida. According to President Sam Dewar the reaction was very positive. More than twenty companies, including: Biggs, Hannaford Brothers, DPI, Price Chopper