|
Health 52
Info Tip:
Nutrition Labels
A simple way to monitor the healthiness of your diet is to read the
Nutrition Facts Label on packaged foods at the supermarket.
It gives you a quick, yet important, “snapshot” of your food choices.
Look at total calories, and then how many of those total calories come from
fat. If it’s more than 30 percent, nutritionists recommend eating that
product only in moderation. All types of fat deliver similar calorie counts,
but it’s the saturated and hydrogenated, or trans-fat, ingredients that are
known to contribute to heart disease by clogging blood vessels.
The top of the Nutrition Fact Label tells you how many servings are in the
package. Consider the calories, fat and sodium per serving. In our
“supersize” culture of unusually large portions, many people are surprised
how small a standard serving actually is. Also, glance at the vitamins and
minerals. If you’re middle aged or older, make note of the calcium content.
Calcium is very important for preventing osteoporosis.
Keep in mind that the Percent of Daily Values is based on a 2,000 calorie
diet. Depending on your size, metabolism and dietary goals, your needs may
vary, but for a quick comparison of products, nutrition labels make it
easier to make healthy choices.
Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, CRN file material
|
