THE NEW FOOD LABEL

The current food label is really a useful tool. For those of us who grew up puzzlingover food ingredients, the current one is quite explicit and reproducible.

Take a moment to study it now, and then read it when you’re in the supermarket.

Calories
Clearly listed. Many people will benefit from decreased calories in their diets, along with the attendant weight loss. This can be beneficial for cholesterol and fat metabolism as well. Remember that fat has the highest "calories per gram" of food.

Fat, saturated fat and cholesterol
Takes the next several lines, reflecting the importance of these substances in the diet. Remember these guidelines:
STEP 1 DIET [ Low Fat Diet ]

• Total fats: less than 30% of total calories
• Saturated fats: less than 10% of total calories
• Monounsaturated: less than 15% of total calories
• Polyunsaturated: less than 10% of total calories
• Cholesterol: less than 300 mg daily

STEP 2 DIET: [ Low Fat Diet ]

• Total fats: 25-30% of total calories
• Saturated fats: less than 7% of total calories
• Monounsaturated: less than 10% of total calories
• Polyunsaturated: less than 10% of total calories
• Cholesterol: less than 200 mg daily

Sodium
It’s easier to stay within that 2000-3000 mg (2-3 gram) guideline when the information is clearly stated.

Dietary Fiber
Let the label help you find that 25-50 grams of fiber daily.

The bottom half of the label
This will give you insight into some particular nutrients found in the food. It also reminds you of the amounts of nutrients recommended for Step 1 low cholesterol diets, the recommended amounts of sodium, and goals for fiber.
©COPY;1997 HeartPoint   Updated September 1997

There’s really a lot more if you’re still interested in discovering it --Links to Cholesterol section

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