According to the Global New Products Database (GNDP), a service that provides daily updates on new products launched around the world, ‘kosher’ was the most popular claim written on food products in the year 2007, with ‘All Natural’ and ‘No Additives or Preservatives’ coming close behind. But beyond appealing to the Jewish community, it seems that many people also believe that kosher food products are generally healthier and safer than non-kosher items. So is it true? In many ways, the answer is yes. Here’s why:

• Before anything can be certified as kosher a rigorous examination of the product’s ingredients, the area where it was cooked, and the process used to make it is performed by inspectors.
• The preparation and handling of meat is done under strict regulations from beginning to end. An animal will not be considered kosher if it died from disease, a natural cause, or if it was killed by another animal; rather the slaughtering process must be done as quick and painlessly as possible by a trained individual. After which, the blood is drained from the animal, which is also a requirement of all kosher meats. Just like certified organic products, all kosher meats and poultry are completely hormone-free.
• Kosher alcohol does not contain added sulfites, which are chemical derivatives of sulfuric acid that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Kosher bakery items tend to be lower in sugar than traditional baked goods, and are also often made dairy-free and vegan friendly.
• All fruits and vegetables are 100% kosher, unless they have been infested with bugs — hard to argue with that!

Buying kosher, of course, does not equal keeping kosher, as most kosher practices are done for religious reasons rather than for good health. However, ancient kosher beliefs, like separating dairy from meat, also relieve digestive stress. So, keeping kosher can bring your body closer to proper food combining and, in turn build your immunity.