Saturday, March 21, 2009

Understanding Food Labels

The label says: Heart Healthy

What it means: These foods are low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol, and low in sodium, and they have no trans fats.

They also only contain 3 grams or less of fat per serving and have at least 0.6 gram of soluble fiber.

The health implications: Eating heart healthy foods doesn't necessarily lower your risk of heart disease, though a diet higher in soluable fiber, which is found in oats, legumes, and some fruits, can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Keep in mind: Many of the heart healthiest foods (usually found in the produce aisle) have no labels at all.

Bottom line: If you're at risk for heart disease, these products can help you eat right, but don't shut out other choices just because they don't say 'heart-healthy.'

Tomorrow: Light


From Real Simple/March 08/pg 176

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