? Decoding Nutrition Labels: What to Look Out For

Understanding nutrition labels is essential for making informed dietary choices. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to evaluate:

? Serving Size
Always assess the serving size first. All nutritional values are based on this amount. Many packaged foods contain multiple servings.

? Calories
The calorie count reflects the energy provided per serving. Consuming more than one serving increases caloric intake proportionally.

? Fats

Saturated Fat – should be limited to less than 10% of daily calories (per the government guidelines).

Trans Fats, – often listed as “partially hydrogenated oils,” should be avoided entirely due to their association with increased cardiovascular risk.

? Added Sugars
Aim to limit added sugars to less than 10% of daily caloric intake. High consumption is linked to increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

? Sodium
The recommended daily maximum is 2,300 mg. Excess sodium intake is associated with elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.

? Ingredients List
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. Prioritise products with whole, minimally processed ingredients and avoid those with excessive additives or artificial ingredients.