SCI 241

UNDERSTANDING FOOD LABELS

When we buy food in the nearest grocery store , do we often think of what is written on the labels ? Do we read the labels for the products which we buy every day ? It appears that food labels carry significant information about ingredients and nutrients , which we have to take into account when we decide on buying this or that food product foods at the nearest grocery store.

I sometimes catch myself on the thought that I do not look at labels , especially when it concerns the foods I eat daily . Labels are exceptional sources of valuable information about food ingredients and nutrients Trying to keep to a healthy diet , I prefer eating nonfat yogurts . One of my favorites is Brown rice and Farm Nonfat Yogurt , Apricot Mango
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Its label claims that the product is nonfat . To be more detailed , the list of this yogurt 's ingredients includes cultured pasteurized nonfat milk Moreover , the list of yogurt 's nutrients states that it contains fat - 0 , saturated fat - 0 , and cholesterol - 0 . It is essential for us that in our diet we emphasize fruits , vegetables , whole grains , and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products “U .S . Department of Health and Human Services , 2006 .”

It is stated that for the product to claim that it is fat-free , it should contain less than 0 .5 grams of fat per serving , with no added fat or oil. We can reduce the risk of heart and related diseases by reading what is written at food labels concerning fats and cholesterol . We should count all fats included into the list of ingredients , as all of them contribute into the overall contents of fat in each specific food product .

On the basis of the FDA requirements , I have to recognize that the Nonfat ' claim is absolutely appropriate in this case As long as mass media spread claims and