Do you know about the information you can find on food labels, and what they really mean?
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The following extra tips may help:
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1. The term “%DV” means the percentage of your daily value.
There are 13 core nutrients that are listed on every nutrition label: fat, saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fibre, sugars, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The %DV at the end of each line is based on the recommended serving size. If it’s less than 5%, that means it’s a very small amount, and if it’s more than 15%, it’s more significant. This helps you make more informed food choices about what you want and need in your diet.
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2. Not all foods must have a nutrition facts table (but most do).
In Canada, by law, nearly all packaged food must have a nutrition facts table. However, fresh produce, raw meat and seafood, one–bite candies and snacks, milk sold in refillable glass bottles, individual servings of freshly prepared food intended for immediate consumption, and in-store fresh foods like bakery items and salads don’t require one. So, of that list, you don’t have to worry about labels if you stick with fresh produce.
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3. Calories mean energy.
Calories represent the amount of energy in food, which come from carbohydrates, fats, and protein, all of which are necessary for proper nutrition. Your body uses this energy to perform all its daily tasks, and we need to eat enough to replenish the calories we use throughout the day. When it comes to nutrition labels, whether or not we follow the serving suggestion can be more important than counting calories.
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Make it a great day!
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