So...What's A "Whole Food" Anyway?

Nuts, seeds, and lentils are all considered whole foods because they are minimally processed and retain their natural nutrients and fiber. They are not refined or stripped of their original components, making them a healthier choice compared to processed foods. Whole foods are generally recommended for a balanced and nutritious diet.

A whole food refers to a type of food that is in its natural state and has not undergone any processing steps before consumption. This means that it is unprocessed and retains its original form, without any additives or alterations.

TOFU is not a whole food. It is a processed food made from soybeans. Whole foods are foods that are in their natural state and have not been processed or refined. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Frozen organic strawberries are considered whole foods because they are minimally processed and retain their natural state. Whole foods are foods that are in their original form or have undergone minimal processing, such as freezing. In this case, the strawberries are frozen without any additives or preservatives, making them a true representation of the fruit in its natural state. Therefore, the statement that frozen organic strawberries are whole foods is true.

The given statement explains that coconut water, when extracted directly from a whole coconut and without undergoing any processing steps, is very close to being a whole food. It is considered a great source of nutrient-dense calories. Therefore, the correct answer is true.

The explanation for the given answer is that the statement is incorrect. "Sugar in the Raw" is not a whole food form of sugar because its brown color does not necessarily indicate that it has undergone less processing. In fact, "Sugar in the Raw" is still refined sugar, but with some molasses added back to give it a slightly darker color. Therefore, it is not a whole food form of sugar.

Steel cut oats are considered whole foods because they are minimally processed and retain all parts of the oat grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. Unlike instant or rolled oats, which are more processed and have the bran and germ removed, steel cut oats provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a nutritious and wholesome option for a healthy diet.

The statement is false because egg whites are not considered whole foods. Whole foods are foods that are minimally processed and contain all the essential nutrients. Egg whites are a part of a whole food, which is the whole egg. The whole egg contains both the egg white and the yolk, which provides a more complete nutritional profile compared to just consuming the egg whites alone. Therefore, egg whites cannot be classified as whole foods.