Health food truths

There is now a whole industry of such products, as well as health foods classified as "natural," "organic," and "functional." But are these foods really better for you?

In the United States, "organic" has a precise meaning established by the US Department of Agriculture. "Natural," however, means whatever the food producer or manufacturer says it means. So-called "functional" foods - or "techno-foods" - are those to which manufacturers add omega-3 oils, artificial sweeteners, indigestible starches, cholesterol reducers, soy or milk (whey) proteins, phytochemicals, and other ingredients to enable them to take advantage of "qualified" health claims permitted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).