Smart Woman: Reading Nutrition Labels
By: Maxine Ridling
Updated: November 16, 2012
Most shoppers realize by now they should look over food labels. But are they looking at the right thing? Many shoppers don't focus much on the fats.
Research shows only one percent of people look at total fat, trans fat and serving size when they look at labels. Just per it's name you would think to scan the total fats would be a priority. Go for a glance at saturated fat instead.
It raises blood cholesterol levels and increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Something else to consider, which is more important: calorie count, serving size or vitamins? According to diabeteseveryday.com, serving size is the most underestimated thing on the food label. Remember, three servings means three-times the calorie intake.
Finally, how much sodium do you need a day? 23,000 milligrams! But Americans typically consume more than 3,000 grams a day! Aim for foods that have five or fewer percent of your daily value of sodium. It's as simple as reading the labels right, so you can eat better.


