Nutrition Label


Nutrition labels provide consumers the information they require regarding the precise quantity of nutrients, fats, energy, calories, additives and preservatives that they will be ingesting. In certain circumstances, if the nutrition label is not provided, then a list of ingredients should be displayed instead. The use-by date and storage requirements of the product should also be on the packaging as per the regulations set by most developed countries.

The presence of a nutrition label on pre-packaged foods is mandatory. This article seeks to explain the words, numbers and percentages on a typical nutrition label as it is an unfortunate fact that the average consumer regards this information as rather perplexing. 

Serving Size

At the top of any nutrition label, there will be an indication of the number of servings in the package. This is crucial as the rest of the information applies to this number. So if the serving size was 2 then the rest of the values are multiplied by 2 to obtain an overall value.

Calories

The next row of the nutrition label provides the calorie content and a separate figure allocating the calories derived from fat solely.

Energy

Preserved energy is determined through the amount of heat that is released from the bonds holding together the food molecules, where the unit of measure is in kilojoules. Only foods containing carbohydrates, proteins, fat and ethanol will contain a considerable level of energy. Usually one calorie is equivalent to 4.1868 kilojoules, so weight-conscious individuals who are keeping track of their calorie intake should also be wary of the energy content.

% Daily Value

This is a figure attributing the percentage of the recommended daily intake endorsed by the federal government to meet daily energy and nutritional needs of 97-98% of a population, regardless of gender and age. This percentage is based according to consumption of a 2000 calorie meal.

Fats And Cholesterol

Fats are segregated into total and saturated fats. The latter are the “bad” fats that act to raise cholesterol levels, which is a white waxy substance that can accumulate in the arteries and impede blood flow. This subsequently can pose a risk to stroke and cardiovascular disease. If there is a fat figure, a cholesterol value will also be displayed. Generally, a food product is considered low in cholesterol and saturated fat if it is less than 130 mg/dL and 4.5g respectively. On the contrary, the “good fats,” monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, helps to combat inflammation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes. This figure can be obtained by subtracting the value of saturated fats from the total fats

Vitamins And Minerals

Most individuals do not consume adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals in their diet which are elements involved in a range of beneficiary health roles. For example, the antioxidants, vitamin C and E neutralises free radicals which would otherwise progressively cause cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and premature aging. For this end, these values must be indicated on the nutrition label to assist consumers select foods rich in these components.

Sodium

Otherwise referred to as the salt content within the nutrition label, is a particularly imperative detail for those with high blood pressure. Sodium levels below 120 mg per 100g will indicate foods low in salt and vice versa.

Ingredients List

The components within this listed is ordered from increasing to decreasing composition. The list should also mention any additives, allergens or genetically modified components.

Nutrition labels are not displayed on a food packaging to serve some sort of adornment purpose, but to actually provide consumers nutritional content information. If more consumers select foods based on the nutrition label before purchasing the product, it is perceivable that our society will witness a drastic reduction in obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke rates.

Please help us serve you better: feel free to contact us here if you have any thoughts, questions, information, requests, or recommendations about the nutrition label.

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