Nutrition labels in the healthy diet

Nutrition labels are essential for a proper reading of the products we consume on a daily basis. Although they are designed in a simple way, many people do not fully understand their content, which can lead to purchasing decisions influenced by advertising that does not reflect the reality of the product. When we buy fruits or vegetables, there are usually no problems, as they are single-ingredient products. However, for more complex products with multiple components, a good understanding of nutrition labels is crucial to make informed decisions.

What is on a nutrition label?

Nutrition labels indicate how many calories we will get from consuming a product by dividing them between the macronutrients and micronutrients present. It is important to know that the information is shown per serving. This means that if a product has several servings, the calories must be multiplied by the number of servings consumed. In addition, the label includes the values of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, sugar, vitamins and minerals, among others.

Nutrients

When reviewing labels, there are nutrients that we should avoid and others that we should favor. For example, we should be especially careful with saturated fats or "trans fats", present in products such as butter, milk or ice cream. Saturated fats are harmful to the body, as they increase cholesterol, which can lead to heart or cerebrovascular problems. On the other hand, it is important to choose products rich in vitamins, calcium and potassium, nutrients that are often lacking in our diets and are essential for the proper functioning of the body.

Unsaturated fats

While saturated fats are harmful, not all fats are. Our bodies need healthy fats to function properly. Unsaturated fats, found in foods such as vegetables, nuts and fish, help control cholesterol levels and are essential for a balanced diet.

Percent Daily Value

The percent daily value is a key aspect of nutrition labels. This percentage indicates how much of a nutrient the product provides in relation to the recommended daily intake. If the value is greater than 20%, the product is rich in that nutrient; if it is less than 5%, the nutrient is present in low amounts.

Salt

The salt content on a label is listed as s