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Expert Q&A
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| By Cynthia Lair Nutritionist | ||
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What does the term "whole foods" mean?
Whole foods refers to foods that are as close to the way nature presents them as possible. Whole foods have only one ingredient -- themselves! Whole foods are not processed, refined, milled and have no chemicals, flavorings or other additives. Whole foods are foods that have been known to nourish human beings for over 1000 years.
Be aware that some good foods are not whole. For instance olive oil is a partial food, only the oil of the olive. Orange juice is not a whole food, only part of it. A whole foods diet does not necessarily need to be vegetarian. But it is important that a vegetarian diet be based on whole foods (like whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts) to get adequate nutrition.
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