Clean Eating ... do you really need to do it?

'Clean eating' means basing your diet on foods that are devoid of toxins or other things that are harmful to your body, explains nutritionist and naturopath Katherine Maslen. It’s based around the principal the more things that we eat that are laced with additives or toxins, the less healthy we become. Clean eating promotes the intake of whole foods – think fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds. Protein choices include eggs, fish, seafood, lean poultry and red meat such as beef and lamb. These wholefoods provide plenty of beneficial phytonutrients. Studies have suggested that diets rich in unrefined, minimally processed whole foods have a beneficial effect on cholesterol and lipids in the blood. They may also help to decrease free radical damage to cells and improve bowel function. Maslen adds clean eating helps reduce hormone related health woes. And neither last nor least, you’re reducing your intake of empty calories in favour of foods that provide essential vitamins and nutrients instead.