Do you ever find yourself staring at the nutrition label on your favorite snacks or drinks, trying to figure out what all the numbers and terms mean? Well, it's important to know because it can help you make healthier choices about the foods you eat.
It is important to understand that different nutrients have different set Daily Values, and that some of these nutrients are naturally occurring in foods, while others are added during the food processing process.
First off, let's talk about sugars. The difference between Sugar and Added Sugar is often misunderstood. Sugars are the natural forms of sugar found in food, like the ones in fruits, veggies, and dairy. They provide energy and are crucial for our health, while added sugars are the sugars and syrups that are added to food during processing or preparation.
Unfortunately, added sugars often don't provide much nutritional value and can even be harmful to our health, contributing to things like weight gain and tooth decay. You can find added sugars in common foods like soft drinks, candy, baked goods, and sweetened dairy products.
So, how do you know how much sugar is in a food product? The nutrition label lists the total amount of sugars in grams and as a percentage of the daily value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set the daily value for sugars at 50 grams (which is roughly 4 tablespoons).
You may be interested in reading about: Are honey and other natural sweeteners considered added sugar?
It's worth noting that the daily value for sugars is just a rough estimate and may not be right for everyone. People with different calorie needs, health conditions, and lifestyles may require more or less sugar in their diets.
If you need help understanding a food label, or creating your own label for your product, set up a free consultation with a labeling specialist today by visiting us at www.roybalfood.com!
Comments