Most of the nutrition label is devoted to break down the different types of nutrients in a food or drink, such as fats, sodium and added sugars, which can impact your health. For example, too much saturated fat and sodium in your diet is associated with an increased risk of developing certain health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. This is why experts have provided guidelines on recommended “healthy” amounts for the average person. That said, everyone’s nutritional needs are different, so it’s best to work with a nutritionist or dietitian if your health is heavily influenced by your diet.

A note on sugar: You may have noticed that nutrition labels include a few different categories for sugar. “Added sugars” refer to sugars such as sucrose or dextrose that are added during the processing of certain foods, foods themselves packaged as sweeteners (such as table sugar), sugars in syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices. According to the FDA, “Diets high in calories from added sugars can make it difficult to meet recommended daily levels of important nutrients while staying within calorie limits. ” Total sugars, on the other hand, include any added sugars that may be present in a product, as well as all sugars that are naturally present, such as sugar in milk and fruit. Although there is no established daily reference value for the total sugar that an individual should consume, many experts agree that limiting the amount of added sugars in your diet is generally a positive thing. If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, choosing a food with natural sugars, such as fruit, is the best option when eaten in moderation.

However, not all of the nutrients listed on the nutrition label are to be limited or avoided. The labels also include values ​​for dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium – nutrients Americans may not get enough of and which have been identified as beneficial to overall health (but again , each person’s needs are different). For example, a diet high in dietary fiber has been shown to improve digestive regularity and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, while a diet high in vitamin D, calcium, and iron may reduce blood sugar levels. risk of developing osteoporosis and anemia. You’ll also find information on protein and carbohydrate content on nutrition labels, which can help guide your choices whether you want to add or reduce specific nutrients in your diet.

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1Life Healthcare Inc. published this content on 08 October 2021 and is solely responsible for the information it contains. Distributed by Public, unedited and unmodified, on 08 October 2021 07:21:06 PM UTC.