NUTRITIONAL LABELS

Every person looks at the nutrition food labels for various reasons. But irrespective of the reasons every consumer needs to know how to use the information on the label effectively and in an easy manner. Most pre-packaged foods have a nutrition label on the back or side of the packet. These labels include an array of information about the product. The information can be energy in kilojoules(kJ) and kilocalories(kcal). They also have information regarding fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugars, protein, and salt. Every nutrition information is per 100 gms and sometimes per portion of the food. WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO READ THE LABELS? We need to make wise choices when it comes to food. Hence the food labels give you an idea regarding what has to be purchased. The labels give you a fair idea and help you in making informed decisions towards choosing good health and nutrition MAKE SURE THAT YOU READ THE LABELS VERY CAREFULLY- The fat content should not exceed more than 5gm per serving. Watch out for the calories which you are getting from saturated fatty acids. Stay away from products which have trans-fats.rnAlso, it is very essential to see the carbohydrate content of your pack. Look for products which contain complex carbs and stay at bay from products having simple sugars.rnThe fiber in the product is also an integral part which needs to be looked upon while purchasing the same.rnDo take a look at the sodium, potassium content of the product. It should not exceed more than 5oo mg per serving. HOW TO READ A FOOD LABEL? Basics of food labels- A label would guide you as to how you should be including a particular food item in your diet 1.TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT THE INGREDIENTS The ingredients are listed from the most added ingredients to the least added. 2. BE CAREFUL ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS The ingredients that you need to look at are fats, sugars, and salt. Always remember the less they are the better your food would be. Increased intake of these ingredients can be a prime reason why people suffer from obesity, Heart problems, diabetes etc. 3. REMEMBER TO WATCH THE NUTRIENTS WHICH ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOUR HEALTH Read the nutritional information label very carefully. The nutrients are based on the RDA i.e according to per 100gms. This information also gives you the liberty to choose amongst which brand is good for you. 4.THE REAL WORTH OF THE PRODUCT Make sure that the product that you have purchased is worth the cost you have paid for it. MOST IMPORTANTLY LOOK AT THE AMOUNT OF FOOD THAT IS PRESENT IN THE PACKrnSERVING SIZE- it is the quantity (in grams or milliliters) in each serving of a product, Divide Net Weight by Serving Size. This introduces you to the number of servings in a pack.rn5. CHOSE FOODS WHICH ARE LOW ON DENSITY Go for low energy-dense foods. Energy density refers to the ratio of calories to the weight of the food. less calories are generally better for weight management. Eating low-density foods tend to help you in feeling full because of its relatively bigger portion size but low-calorie amount. Hence limit your intake of high-density foods and stick to low-density food products. TRY AND UNDERSTAND THE CLAIMS WHICH ARE PUT FORTH..BUT REMEMBER THEY MIGHT NOT SEEM AS THEY ARE!! A zero-calorie product can actually contain up to 4 calories per servingrnA fat-free product can contain up to 0.5 grams of fat per servingrnA low-fat product can have as much as 3 grams for solid products and 1.5g for liquid products. rnREMEMBER TO CHECK THE LABEL!!