Labels on the food products are not there only to attract buyers; rather they are of paramount importance for the buyer, as through the label they come to know of the qualities and the maker of the particular food product. This is why we have brought this article for all the consumers. To teach them the way through which they can use the information on the label more effectively and easily. Following is the way that will enable you to make informed food choices.
The Serving Size
To start with, it is serving size that you get to see first on the nutrition facts label. Serving sizes enable you to compare the product with other similar products. Serving size is provided in units like cups, pieces, and the metric amount – grams. For example, one serving of macaroni and cheese equals one cup. Therefore, if you consume the entire pack this means you ate two cups. Based on the serving size you can analyze your calorie intake.
Calories
The next thing on the label is the calorie count per serving. This section enables you to find out the amount of calories you will get from one serving of the particular food. If you consider this particular section while choosing food for yourself, it can actually help you manage your weight.
Nutrients
The nutrient section of the label is usually divided into two subsections – the yellow and the blue. This division is based on the impact of these nutrients on your health. The yellow section includes the nutrients whose consumption should be limited, like the saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol, or sodium that can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and so on. The blue section includes the nutrients, which you should take in enough amounts like the dietary fiber, Vitamin A, C, calcium, iron, etc. This way, you can cut short and increase the nutrient intake in order to make your diet a balanced diet.
The Percent Daily Value (%DV)
The last notification that you can see on the label is the Daily Value Recommendation for key nutrients but only for a 2,000-calorie daily diet, not 2,500 calories. This helps you to find out the amount of calories you should be taking in a day.
Summary
It is very important for every consumer to consider the information given on the nutrition fact label, as it helps you to choose the best food for yourself.