Reading Food Labels Wisely

Reading product labels can help you choose the healthiest foods. The Womenshealth.gov website offers this advice about food labels:

1. Read the serving size and how many servings are in a container. Also note the number of calories per serving and calories from fat. 2. Read the percentage daily values, which tell you how much of the recommended daily intake of a particular ingredient you will receive from eating a portion of that food. 3. Read amounts of trans fat, saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol and sodium, avoiding foods with high amounts of these. 4. Opt for foods with high amounts of fiber. 5. Check for sufficient amounts of iron, calcium, potassium and vitamins A and C. 6. Opt for foods with high protein content that are low in fat.