Get Informed Reading Food Labels Looking at the food labels is useful for all. People might read the labels for several reasons, but most of them would like to know the ways to use the information effectively. Typically, food labels can help you to make informed food decisions to choose a healthy diet. For instance, if you like sugary cereals, you may consume it and make up for it by not consuming any sweet dish for the day. Reading the food label can make you aware of the sugar content in a foodstuff before you consume it. Nutritional information on food labels not only tells you about the calories but also provides you information on whether the food is organic or not. Who decides what should be mentioned on a food label? In the US, its FDA and USDA. These boards require that all food labels should mention the same parameters for providing health information. These agencies want consumers to make healthy food choices by comparing different foodstuffs. What are the factors to be mentioned on the food labels Serving Information First, you have to take a look at the number of servings as per container and serving size. Standardized size is decided to make comparisons easier for similar food items. They are provided in simple units, like pieces, cups or the number of grams. The serving size implies the amount that you intake.
Calories The next point to read on a food label is calories. Calories are the measurement of energy you get from a serving of a particular food. For example, there are 280 calories in one serving of chocolate pie. If you eat the whole pie, then you would intake 4 servings or 1120 calories. To maintain proper body weight, you have to take calories as per your body requirements. 2000 calories per day are generally needed, but it may vary based on age, sex, age, and weight. To help the food manufacturers and dietitians, some companies have come up with superb nutrition analysis tools and food label makers. Now, food services no longer have to depend on the lengthy and expensive lab analysis process to get unlimited food labels in the least possible time.