5 Important Things You Need to Know from a Nutrition Label
Nutrition labels are an essential tool that can help you understand the nutritional value of the food you eat. They provide vital information such as the number of calories, fat content, and sugar content per serving.
Here are five essential things you should know when reading a nutrition label:
1. Serving Size
The serving size is the recommended portion size for the food. It is essential to check the serving size on the label because all of the other nutrition information listed pertains to that serving size. If you eat more than the recommended serving size, you are consuming more calories, fats, and other nutrients than what is listed on the label.
For example, if the serving size on a bag of chips is one ounce, and you consume the entire bag, you are consuming two, three, or even four times the recommended serving size, depending on the size of the bag.
2. Calories
The calorie count on a nutrition label is an essential piece of information because it tells you how much energy you’ll get from eating that item. The calorie count gives you a rough estimate of how much energy you’ll have to burn off if you consume that food.
It’s essential to remember that not all calories are created equal. For example, a hundred calories from a piece of fruit are not the same as a hundred calories from a piece of cake. The fruit contains essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while the cake is loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates.
3. Nutrients
The nutrient section of a nutrition label lists all the nutrients found in that food, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It’s essential to check the amount of these nutrients and compare them to your daily recommended intake.
For example, if you’re looking to increase your protein intake, you’ll want to look for foods high in protein like chicken, turkey, or fish. If you’re trying to cut down on saturated fats, you’ll want to check the saturated fat content and opt for leaner cuts of meat and low-fat dairy products.
4. Percent Daily Value
The percent daily value (%DV) is the percentage of nutrients in that food compared to the daily recommended intake for an average adult. This percentage is based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so if you consume more or fewer calories per day, your daily values will differ.
It’s essential to note that the percent daily values are not exact recommendations as everyone’s nutritional needs differ. However, they can be a helpful guide to ensure you’re getting enough of the essential nutrients your body needs.
5. Ingredients List
The ingredients list is a list of all the ingredients found in that food product, listed in order of quantity. It’s essential to check the ingredients list to see if there are any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives added to the food. Also, if you have any food allergies, it’s crucial to check for any allergens listed in the ingredients.
Conclusion:
Reading nutrition labels can be overwhelming at first, but once you understand what to look for, it becomes easier. Always check the serving size, calories, nutrients, percent daily values, and ingredients list to make informed decisions about the food you consume. By doing so, you’ll be better positioned to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
