My Father since our childhood always used to instruct me and my brother to see the expiry date of any product, especially for edible ones. And if by any chance we missed to see it he would cross-examine us by asking “Batao iski expiry date kya hai?” and we use to fumble. Then he silently tells us the importance of checking the expiry date. Which still stayed with me. But after entering into dietetics I realized that not only expiry date but there are other things as well which I think every individual should observe.
Did you ever notice a black box on the food packets labelled as “Nutritional facts”? It can be a very important tool if you are into healthy eating or planning to start with it.
The nutrition facts (also known as the nutrition information panel, is a label required on most packaged food in many countries. … In some cases, the guides are based on different dietary targets for example if it’s a protein bar it is meant to fill the void of the protein we lack in our daily diet and other various nutrients than the labels on specific foods.
It will give you information about serving size, calories per serving size, carbohydrates, protein and fats.
This table will give you a rough idea about the nutrition of the product you are willing to buy.
Maintaining a healthy weight-
Weight watchers can use this tool to limit calorie intake and excess consumption. Sugar content will help to make the right choice.
For hypertensive people-
People with high Blood Pressure thinks only salty foods will affect the blood pressure, but in reality, the main nutrient which regulates Blood pressure is sodium. Anything which is processed by default will have sodium. For instance, even chocolates have sodium though it is sweet.
For healthy cholesterol levels-
In order to achieve good heart health, you need to cut back on saturated fats and trans fats. Bifurcation of fat in the nutrition table will help you.
Ingredient list-
Checking ingredient list will help people who are allergic to say peanuts, soya, milk, eggs which are commonly used in food products. Checking the ingredients will give you the source of the nutrients as well. Let’s say the carbohydrate in the white bread comes from the maida used.
You can easily compare the labels to determine which products are lowest in calories, fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar. These are the basic things you should limit for a healthy living.
I hope next time when you pick any food product you will turn around the packet and will definitely read the nutrition label.
