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Saturday, November 16, 2024

Are You Checking the Nutrition Facts Label for Consumer Health?

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Are you looking to make healthier choices at the supermarket? March is National Nutrition Month, making it the perfect time to learn about using the Nutrition Facts label to make informed decisions about the foods you buy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people in the U.S. do not eat a healthy diet, often consuming too much sodium, saturated fat, and sugar, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases. The Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods is a valuable tool created by the Food and Drug Administration to help consumers make healthier choices while grocery shopping. This label lists important information such as total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

In 2020, the format of the Nutrition Facts label was updated to include more relevant information. For example, the label now includes a line item for added sugars, making it easier for consumers to identify foods with high sugar content. The calorie count and serving sizes are now presented in a more user-friendly way, aiding in accurate calorie counting. Additionally, the way fats are listed has been changed to highlight the importance of the type of fat consumed rather than just the amount.

When reading labels and choosing foods to purchase, remember to include a variety of foods from the major food groups such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, and healthy fats. Making informed choices about the foods you eat is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Join the conversation about healthy living in the Healthy Living support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, an online patient community moderated by Mayo Clinic. Start making positive changes to your diet today by utilizing the Nutrition Facts label to guide your grocery shopping decisions.

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