Read Nutrition Labels For Better Health
In today's hurried, harried world of food shopping, many people take the claims on the fronts of food packages -"healthy," "low carb" or "low fat" - as the final word on nutrition.
But by failing to read the tiny print, particularly the "Nutrition Facts" panel and also the ingredients list, consumers might not be aware of what else they're acquiring, namely added sugars and trans fats. As an example, did you know that a chocolate peanut butter PowerBar Performance Bar has 20 grams of sugar? That's twice the amount of sugar in a Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut.
Reading labels, especially if you are following a controlled-carbohydrate way of life, is among the greatest ways to take control of what you acquire and eat.
"We believe - and emerging science confirms - that a high- carbohydrate diet, especially one that includes a considerable amount of added sugars in many different forms, contributes to several health-related concerns," said nutritionist Colette Heimowitz, vice president of education and research for Atkins Health & Medical Information Services. "Thus, it's crucial to read the labels on all packaged foods."
Always look at the serving size, for instance, to ensure that the portion will be able to satisfy your appetite. In numerous cases, it is smaller than you might assume. If you don't read the label, you may never realize that the smoothie you just drank is actually two servings, not one. Also, look for an adequate quantity of fats, fiber and protein, all of which assure satiety.
Knowing what ingredients should not be in products is equally crucial. The front of the package may say "no trans fats," but the ingredients list might reveal trace amounts of hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. A product that contains less than 1 gram of these oils is not required to include them on the Nutrition Facts panel. The only way you can be sure that a product is free of these unnatural, harmful fats is if there is no mention of them in the detailed ingredients list.
Avoiding added sugars also is crucial. Natural sugars in milk and fruit are fine, while added processed sugars, such as sucrose (table sugar) or corn syrup, should not be part of any healthy diet plan. Intake of sugar alcohols, which often are utilized in low-carb items to replace sugar and add bulk, also needs to be monitored.
A controlled-carb approach requires strict monitoring of the total carbohydrate content of any product. Atkins goods do the work for the consumer, omitting added sugars and trans fats and providing a Net Atkins Count, based on clinical testing, that displays only the number of carbs that can have an impact on blood sugar.
Other goods may need carb-conscious consumers to do this work themselves. In this case, subtract fiber, sugar alcohols and glycerine from the total carbohydrate count. - NU
About the Author:
The truth about most effective diet pills is finally revealed! Visit us at most effective diet pills for women to get all the free insider information
Article Marketing
2 people like this article
