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When you grocery shop, do you take the time to read the nutrition label? If you answered no, don’t feel too bad; as many Americans don’t read or don’t understand the nutrition label. Reading and understanding the nutrition label on your food can help you stay healthy and avoid or reduce certain medical conditions. Here are the different aspects of a nutrition label that you need to know.
- Serving size
The serving size refers to the quantity of servings in the package. For example, a 12 ounce box of cereal usually has a serving size of half a cup and can provide up to six bowls of cereal. An important factor to note is that each time you add a serving you double the other nutritional figures. So if the label shows sodium is 120mg, two servings would equal 240mg.
- Calories
This section on the nutrition label typically shows total calories and total calories from fat. All calorie intake on packaged foods is based on a 2000 calorie diet, which is mandated by the Food and Drug Administration. Your calorie intake increases with each serving. So if total calories are 250 and calories from fat are 50, three servings would equal 750 total calories with 150 calories coming from fat.
- Daily Values
Daily values on a nutrition label are listed in percentages. 10 percent of calcium for example, would be the amount available in one serving. Each extra serving will add another 10 percent. According to the FDA, you should lower your intake of nutrients like cholesterol and sodium an increase your intake of nutrients like dietary fiber and vitamins.
