The best advice is to avoid foods with health claims on the label, or better yet avoid foods with labels in the first place.

Mark Hyman’s quote encourages a return to whole foods by advising people to avoid products with health claims on the label, and ideally, to avoid foods with labels altogether. Hyman suggests that processed foods often come with misleading claims about their health benefits, which can distract consumers from the importance of eating natural and unprocessed foods. By focusing on foods that don't come in packages or have marketing claims, individuals are more likely to make healthier dietary choices that align with their body’s needs.

The origin of this perspective comes from Hyman's work as a functional medicine doctor and advocate for nutrition-based healing. As someone who has written extensively on diet and its impact on health, Hyman has emphasized the importance of eating whole, unprocessed foods as the foundation for good health. He believes that many packaged foods, even those with health claims, are often full of added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can undermine the body’s natural ability to function and heal.

Hyman’s statement also critiques the food industry, which often markets processed foods with health-related labels, such as "low-fat" or "gluten-free," to create the illusion of healthfulness. He warns that these labels can be deceptive, as many of these products may still be nutritionally poor and loaded with unhealthy additives. By advocating for foods without labels, Hyman emphasizes the value of eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins that come directly from nature, rather than from highly processed sources.

Ultimately, Hyman’s quote advocates for a shift toward whole foods that are minimally processed and free from marketing gimmicks. By removing packaged foods from the diet and focusing on natural, nutrient-dense options, individuals can improve their overall health and avoid the confusion and misleading claims found on many food labels.