Healthy living
This is where the US-based Clean Label Project steps in; founded as a non-profit ‘with the mission to bring truth and transparency to food and consumer product labelling’. A cross-sector advisory project that promotes easy to understand labelling, the idea behind the Clean Label Project is to show people what is going in their products and to encourage people to buy foods and other products with as few ingredients as possible; and for those products to come from natural sources – ultimately, to live better without making compromises on health.
The Clean Label Project uses a certification programme in order to test for over 130 contaminants and toxins. The programme involves random sampling and testing at retail stores. This is in order to make sure that what is being tested is the same product that can be purchased at those stores. This helps to avoid issues, such as testing something that is a prototype developed in a company kitchen as opposed to the final product that will be available on the shelves. In October 2017, the Clean Label Project found that a number of leading North American brands of infant formulas and baby foods contained contaminants, such as heavy metals and pesticide residues. There has been some movement by some brands to improve their processes. Some companies have allowed products to be randomly purchased and tested as part of the Clean Label Project’s process of certification.
Cardiovascular disease – at the heart of the matter
It is easy to dismiss the idea of clean living as a fad, or as the latest TikTok trend. There may be the feeling that this is coming from a pseudo-science perspective from youngsters with too much time on their hands. However, what cannot be ignored are the studies from the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding the nature of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the impact food has on general health. CVDs is a term that refers to heart and blood disorders such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and rheumatic heart disease. It is estimated that globally 17.9 million people are killed by CVDs. Of those deaths, four out of the five occurred due to heart attacks and strokes. A third of these deaths are premature, affecting people under the age of 70. CVDs can be caused by a number of factors.
Typically they are linked to a poor diet but other issues can also include excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco usage and not getting enough exercise. Symptoms of CVDs include raised blood and glucose level, as well as the more visible signs of weight gain and obesity. The global lockdown not only brought considerable stress to millions, but it has also resulted in fewer people having access to gyms and restrictions
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placed on exercise – there has also been the additional temptation that comes with easy access to online grocery shopping and food delivery. Let’s not forget the temptation to open the fridge instead of finishing that difficult report or feeding hungry children that would be eating lunch at school in less strange times. Stress is a factor in CVDs too. This can result in a vicious cycle, as people who want to deal with stress may look to short-term fixes such as alcohol and comfort eating that may in turn further add to these health issues.
Misleading packaging has a role to play too. For example, a product may be marketed as ‘low fat’ but will be high in sugar and may contain artificial sweeteners. While these replicate the taste of products containing natural sugar, artificial sweeteners also provide less energy but offer that same sugar rush that can make people feel distinctly edgy, which is not helpful to those already stressed. Recent animal studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can contribute to conditions such as weight gain, brain tumours and bladder cancer. The long-term impact of these artificial sweeteners is not known. But sweet foods are not banned in clean eating. There are plenty of natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup that can be added, as well as fruits that are naturally sweet. The emphasis on these foods is that they are a treat, and it is better to have the occasional treat sourced from natural ingredients and processes, as opposed to consuming something artificial on a regular basis under the misguided idea that this is ‘healthier’.
Fats, oils and sodium reduction Another issue that has influenced people’s cardiovascular health has been the use of trans fats in a variety of foods including baked goods, fried foods and surprising sources, such as non- dairy creamers. Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat, formed by converting vegetable oils into a semi- solid, partially hydrogenated oil.
It should be made clear that not all fats are bad, and certain fats can even be beneficial for your health. The Mediterranean diet includes nuts, olive oil and dairy – this combined with fruits, vegetables, beans and seafood has resulted in reported health benefits including better cardiovascular fitness, reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and a reduction in muscle weakness. It also offers secondary benefits such as plumper, more glowing skin thanks to the natural ingredients, and, anecdotally, fewer joint pains.
It’s a plant-based protein
The trend for plant-based food is on the up and up. There are environmental benefits that sit alongside the health advantages. Food production is a factor
45 26% Our World in Data
70% 40%
The percentage of global freshwater used by agriculture.
Our World in Data National Geographic
The contribution of food production to global greenhouse emissions.
The percentage of the earth’s landmass (not covered by ice) that is used by agriculture.
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