How to Read a Food Label

What’s New About the Label?

It’s Simple. Healthy eating has never been easier, thanks to the new nutrition label. Here’s the good news:

• Most foods in the grocery store must now have a nutrition label and an ingredient list.
• You can buy with confidence. Claims like “low cholesterol” and “fat free” can be used only
  if a food meets new legal standards set by the government.

You are looking at a new label if it’s titled Nutrition Facts. Old labels may still be around for a while, so don’t be surprised if you see them.

Why Read the Label?

Read the label to help choose foods that make up a healthful diet. Eating a healthful diet can help reduce your risk factors for some diseases. For example, too much saturated fat and cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol (a risk factor for hear disease). Too much sodium may be linked to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

You can download a simple food label guide probided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.