Matt Tallis

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Regulation of Organic Food Production Organic

Regulation of Organic Food Production

All “organic” food needs to be produced as per European laws regarding the production of such food. This means that “organic” food needs to be grown by those organisations or companies that are registered to do so and have been approved by the bodies that certify organic production. All such organisations or companies need to be registered by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Organic certification bodies actually employ inspectors who, amongst other duties, visit farms to ensure that no pesticides nor fertilisers are used unless specifically authorised for use in organic production. There is also a...
What is Organic Food? Organic

What is Organic Food?

Organic farming is a specific method of food production, involving crop rotation and effective animal and environmental management. Should a food product be an organically processed one then a minimum of 95% of that product needs to have been produced organically or 95% of the ingredients of that product need to be organic. Few additives are employed in the production of organic food. Organic food production features Minimal use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers Great importance is attributed to the welfare of the animal and its wellbeing, as well as stock density. Special emphasis is given to soil health and its...
Appetizers Prepared Foods

Appetizers

Appetizers tend to be eaten before a meal, in order to enhance the experience. However, these tend to be unnecessary calories. By avoiding appetizers, you're likely to consume less food and not exceed calorie recommendations; you'll also save money at the same time.
Condiments Prepared Foods

Condiments

Condiments are often used to add extra flavour to a meal, but often contain large amounts of calories, fats and sodium. Many lack minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients, meaning that they add nothing nutritionally to make up for these extra negatives.
Confectionery Prepared Foods

Confectionery

Confectionery is a term that applies to all sweets and chocolate, both of which should be avoided due to their high sugar content. Many sweets and chocolates contain levels of sugar that are fair above the recommended amounts, while not being particularly filling. This is likely to lead to overeating and weight gain. If you have a sweet tooth and are desperate to get your sugary fix, consider dark chocolate (in moderation) as this is a slightly healthier alternative.
Identifying Organic Food Organic

Identifying Organic Food

Foods with the “organic” label on them need to show the organic certification body, organic food packer or processor it is registered with. Thus the label needs to at least have a code number which highlights the certification body. The certification body’s logo or name can also be depicted on the label. All ingredients do not come in organic form. Thus most of the time products cannot be 100% organic. So organic food manufactures utilise certain non-organic ingredients, given that organic ingredients comprise a minimum of 95% of the product. Should the product have 70%-95% organic ingredients, all those ingredients may be...
Tinned Vegetables Processed Foods

Tinned Vegetables

Tinned vegetables can be a very quick and handy way to get one of your five-a-day. On the whole, tinned vegetables are perfectly fine to eat, but steer clear of any with excessive amounts of added sodium or sugar.
Meats Processed Foods

Meats

It is recommended that meat is eaten in moderation, as it carries both benefits and risks. Meat is a good source of protein, which is considered to be vital to the process of losing weight and gaining muscle. However, meat can also contain a fair amount of saturated fats, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease.
Convenience Food Processed Foods

Convenience Food

Although processed foods can be used to make fast, easy meals, they tend to lack the nutritional value of fresh foods. Processed foods tend to contain higher levels of saturated fat, trans fat and sodium, which are added to enhance the flavour, but don’t add anything to the food’s nutritional value.
Cereals Processed Foods

Cereals

The majority of breakfast cereals we see in the supermarket and eat almost every day are classified as not only processed, but ultra-processed. This will come as a shock to many, as we are all under the misconception that cereals are a good and healthy way to start the day. As with most things there are good ones and not so good ones. General guidance is to reduce how much we eat, because of their ultra-processed nature. Consuming too much ultra-processed food can lead to an increased risk of cancer, depression, heart disease, obesity, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. If you want to consume cereals, choose the organic options...
Bread Processed Foods

Bread

There are very few antioxidants in white bread, as a result of the milling process that it goes through. White bread also seems to lead to an increase in insulin production. On the other hand, whole grains are thought to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Marks & Spencer Fair Trade

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer have set up their Fairtrade range. Their ethical drive involves launching a Fairtrade cotton clothing range. This move is part of the new "Look Behind the Label" campaign, which informs shoppers as to the way the group sources its products. M&S are also working towards cutting salt and fat in M&S foods, recycling packaging and protecting animal welfare. The move comes as UK consumers show an increased appetite for so-called fair trade products. In 2008, Fairtrade Foundation figures demonstrated that sales of ethical products increased by more than 50% during 2004. Shoppers Conscience A recent survey...
Breads Basic Foods

Breads

There are very few antioxidants in white bread, as a result of the milling process that it goes through. White bread also seems to lead to an increase in insulin production. On the other hand, whole grains are thought to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Cereals Basic Foods

Cereals

Many breakfast cereals contain added sugars, even those which are considered to be ‘healthier options’. Most breakfast cereals contain an amount of fibre, however many of them do not follow the “five-to-one fibre rule”. This means that, when you divide the grams of carbohydrate in the product by the grams of fibre, the result is over five and above the healthy level. When compared to alternative breakfasts, such as smoothies, breakfast cereals are very low in antioxidants. For this reason, it may be a good idea to add some fruit to your cereal portions. Fortified breakfast cereal can provide vitamin B12, which is not...
Dairy Products Basic Foods

Dairy Products

Dairy products include milk, cheese, and yoghurt. They are all great sources of protein and calcium which are necessary for a healthy diet. The fat content in dairy products can vary greatly, whole milk and cheese for instance can be high in saturated fat. For some, low-fat versions may be a healthier option. Read the information on the nutritional label to see what the fat, salt and sugar content is in the dairy product to help you decide what is suitable for you. As a gauge, foods that contain more than 20g of fat per 100g are considered high in fat. A recommended portion of a dairy product includes: 200ml glass of...
Edible Fungi Basic Foods

Edible Fungi

Yeast and mushrooms are probably the two best-known edible fungi. Mushrooms can be cooked in multiple ways and are a good source of vitamin D, among other nutrients. Meanwhile, the single-celled organism, yeast, is used when baking and producing beer. Edible Funghi Books
Edible Nuts and Seeds Basic Foods

Edible Nuts and Seeds

There are lots of edible nuts and seeds available and are an important part of a healthy diet. Nuts and seeds are a great snack food and are super healthy too. They are a good source of many nutrients such as protein, fibre, Vitamin B & E as well as minerals and antioxidants. Nuts and seeds are also high in monosaturated fats, which is good for the heart and some are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Many health benefits can be achieved by eating edible nuts and seeds regularly, this includes managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Alzheimer's, arthritis, dementia, digestive disorders, heart disease, cardiovascular...
Legumes Basic Foods

Legumes

Legumes contain a number of important nutrients including fibre, vitamins and protein. They contain around double the amount of protein than cereal grains, while being low in fat and cholesterol. Legumes also have a low GI rating, and are a good source of B-group vitamins.  
Seafood Basic Foods

Seafood

Seafood is one of very few foods to be both high-protein and low-calorie, and contains very little fat. As well as this, seafood has many health benefits as it's high in both minerals and vitamins. Recent research has suggested that eating seafood can lower the risk of strokes, obesity and heart attacks; it also provides vital nutrients for infant and child development.  
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