(NaturalNews) With so much competition between brands, many of which cleverly phrase product names and ingredients in misleading ways, it's often hard to keep track of what's truly healthy anymore. Labeling often has mixed messages; for example, we've reported on the fact that the FDA doesn't have a set standard on the definition of "all natural," which basically means that virtually anything may be going into what people drink, eat and put on their skin. (1)

Trying to sort it out can be frustrating, so here are a few reminders of what to stay away from in order to be as healthy as possible.

Top ways to keep body and environment healthy

Eat healthier

Many consider the term, "junk food" to be an oxymoron, noting that it's either one or the other: junk, or food.

Health expert and writer Katherine Martinko says that eating sugary, processed foods and pre-packaged items that typically get snacked on or stuffed into a child's lunchbox are things to stay away from, as they wreak havoc on the body. (2)

Processed foods are not to be taken lightly; consumption of them has been linked to obesity, cancer and high levels of bad cholesterol. (3) Instead, choose organic, whole foods and focus mainly on fruits, vegetables and superfoods.

Ditch the plastic storage containers

In the hurriedness of life, many may think that it's all right to just keep re-using an old plastic container to store foods. However, Martinko suggests tossing them altogether in favor of glass containers, since plastic ones are known to have "hormone-disrupting" compounds that can seep into the body. (2)

Don't use conventional personal care products

Certain body washes and cleansers are problematic for health and the environment. Not only do many products contain microbeads which are known to get into waterways and upset their ecological balance, but they also contain ingredients that are toxic to the body. (2, 4)

Concerning microbeads, as much as 1.1 million plastic particles per square kilometer have been found in Lake Ontario, and because they look like fish eggs, they are mistakenly being eaten by marine life. (4) Several safer alternatives exist, such as using coconut oil, shea butter and macadamia nut oils on the skin to create a healthy glow and smoother appearance. (5)

Clearly, the list goes on, and having an ongoing awareness about what is eaten and put on skin is essential. Constantly staying on top of health news helps people remain informed so that the best decisions about products can be made on an ongoing basis.

Sources:

(1) http://www.naturalnews.com

(2) http://www.treehugger.com

(3) http://www.naturalnews.com

(4) http://www.npr.org

(5) http://www.naturalnews.com

About the author:
A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. >>> Click here to see more by Antonia