Why are nutrition labels important?
For many, the challenge of planning a healthy diet may be in knowing what foods to prepare to stay within a given range of calories, fats and so forth. It may require developing daily or weekly menus in advance, and a food log may also be helpful. Fortunately, keeping track of the amount of nutrients in certain foods is easy. Food values can be found on everyday food products right on the label. By learning how to read a nutrition label, it will be easier to prepare a heart-healthy meal. The nutrition label, titled Nutrition Facts, is required by law to be included on the labels of most foods that are not considered fresh, though some fresh products may include the information by choice. Certain foods are exempt from mandatory labeling. These foods include restaurant-prepared foods, ready-to eat bakery or deli foods and products with no nutritional value (e.g., spices or coffee beans). The nutrition label gives information about the following: • Total fat • Saturated fat • Cholesterol
