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In order to plan a healthy diet, we must know how to read a
food label. Food labels show us if a food has a little or a lot of certain
nutrients. Look on the side of a product to find the Nutrition Facts title.
You will find the serving size of the food below the nutrition facts title. Similar food products have similar serving sizes. The servings per container are also included to let you compare what you actually eat with the serving size on that product. So remember, if the serving size is 1 cup and you eat 2 cups, then you will need to double the numbers on the label. % Daily values are listed to give you an idea of how one serving of a product contributes nutritionally to a 2000 calorie diet. Use the % daily values to see if a food has a little or a lot of a nutrient. The amount of calories in one serving of the product is listed. Only a few nutrients are listed on the Nutrition Facts label-those that relate to today's most important health issues. The label lists total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium because people eat too much of these.
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| Fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron are listed because
people do not eat enough of these everyday. You should try to eat at least
100% of the daily value of each of these everyday.
Fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, total carbohydrate, fiber, sugars, protein, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron are required on the label. Other nutrients may be listed if the company would like to list them.
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| Nutrients are substances found in food that are needed for
good health. Your body can't make nutrients, so they must be supplied by
food. During digestion, food is broken down into nutrients, which are
absorbed into your bloodstream and carried to every cell in your body. More
than 40 nutrients in food are classified into six groups: carbohydrates,
fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Each nutrient has a specific
function and they all work together for your good health.
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