Warning: False Packaging
Nurtition Labels for Dummies
3 Step Process to Reading a Label
Step 1) Serving size plus the amount of calories per serving size
Step 2) Look at the % of daily value each nutrient is
Step 3) Make sure the important nutrients (daily fiber, vitamins, protein and calcium) have a higher than 20% of it so that it isn't just empty calories.
Remember- Daily value percentage is based on a 2,000 calorie diet
What to Avoid
When looking at the Nutrition Label things that you should avoid large amounts of are:
Saturated fats- Saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease and high cholesterol. The average adult should consume no more than 20 grams of saturated fat per day.
Trans fat- Trans fat also increases your risk of heart disease. Ideally, you should get 0 grams of trans fat per day.
Cholesterol- You should eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day
Remember- Anything under .5 milligrams doesn't have to be listed so look at the list of ingredients
What to get Enough of
Most Americans don't get enough of these in their diets so take note:
- Dietary fiber
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Iron
Remember- Eating enough of these nutrients can improve your health and help reduce the risk of some diseases and conditions so it is very important.