Decoding Nutrition Labels

 

Nutrition Fact Labels are used as a guideline to show how much of each nutrient is in the food you consume. By understanding daily nutrient requirements, it may be easier to know how certain foods can contribute to your daily intake. Listed below are the daily requirements for an average adult:

h/t: FDA.gov

h/t: FDA.gov

Some nutrients on the nutrition label are better than others. Nutrients like saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar are associated with adverse health effects and should be eaten sparingly. Compare DV% of different food labels to the find right product that works for you. Here is a good guideline for the Daily Value % in food :

  • 5% DV or less of a nutrient per serving is considered low

  • 20% DV or more of a nutrient per serving is considered high


Nutrition labels give a lot of helpful information to help you make more informed food decisions. However, at times these facts can be easily forgotten past that first look. Logging what you eat can help you to see how these different nutrients add up daily. An app called MyFitnessPal has helped me to see my nutrient intake each day. Logging the nutrition facts of food you eat can help you to make better food choices in the future. 

   

 
Healthy TipsLauren Rolignutrition, healthy foods, diet adviceComment