7 Facts Behind Food Labels

When shopping, labels printed on the packaging becomes an important concern for consumers to make choices. But, do not get stuck labels that are often confusing.
A study at the University of South Carolina found that foods that attached the word 'healthy' and 'organic' is often deceptive. People who are on a diet and watching your weight is more likely to be misled label.There are several ways to find out what is in a product through its packaging. You must be smart to distinguish healthy foods and not from the packaging label.
Here are seven terms that often appear on the packaging and menus, as quoted from Fitness magazine.
Gluten-FreeGluten-free products are designed for those with celiac disease, or an inability to digest gluten (a protein in wheat, barley, and rye). This popular food after a few celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow eat.
Consumption of gluten-free products are generally as an effort to relieve irritable bowel syndrome disease, impaired concentration and weight loss. In fact, you do not need this expensive product unless suffering from celiac or gluten sensitivity, which causes diarrhea and migraines after ingestion of gluten.
"Gluten-free does not automatically equal healthy," said nutrition expert Shelley Case. Gluten-free diet can not lose weight because it is low in fiber, mostly not fortified with vitamin B and iron that may be missing important nutrients.
Trans Fat-FreeTrans fats are commonly occurs when the oil is heated with hydrogen to increase shelf life and improve the structure of food. However, trans fats increase bad cholesterol "LDL" cholesterol and lowers good 'HDL'.
Although a number of restaurants and products labeled trans fat free, you can not avoid it. When eating crackers, some portions of cake, fried in a single day, although the trans fat-free claim that you have to consume about 2.5 grams of trans fat. Avoid junk food, snacks such as cakes, donuts, and canned food to cut trans fat intake.
Low-Fructose SweetenerSeveral years ago, researchers found high levels of fructose in the artificial sweeteners is closely related to obesity and diabetes. To reduce the content of fructose, many food companies are replacing HFCS sweeteners including honey, sucrose, soy sauce and juice.
 In fact, low-fructose labels are often just a gimmick. According to recent research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there is no evidence that high fructose levels more closely associated with obesity than other sweeteners.
For that, look at food labels before you buy. Do not buy products with sweeteners that enter the four main ingredients, including honey, syrup, sucrose, fructose, and fruit juices. Remember also that four grams of sugar equals one teaspoon.
Local FoodThis product is commonly referred to as a local agricultural produce that is claimed to be healthier and more delicious than the food from out of town. Kate Geagan, RD, author of Go Green said, the food is produced in close proximity can affect the nutrients such as vitamin C and folic acid are highly susceptible reduced.
But this applies only to the taste and nutrition of local fruits such as apples and pears. However, do not mean butter, meat and poultry are healthier local. He also explained the local product does not mean organic. So, if avoiding pesticides, antibiotics, and additional hormones, ask how the product was grown or bred.
Whole WheatMost people shopping for whole grains and ingredients made from whole grains such as pastries because it was considered healthy.
Actually, eating whole grains are healthier than products that claimed to contain whole grains. When reading labels, you should buy products labeled as '100 percent whole wheat 'is not just a label' whole wheat '. To convince, consider the nutrition facts label with at least 3-4 grams of fiber content.
Low FatMany products that use this label, including candy. Thus, a third of people tend to eat more when the product is low in fat.
Many foods are 'low fat' has the same calories as full-fat foods. Manufacturers can store extra sugar in ice cream or low-fat cookies to enhance the flavor. And, that is the fault of dieting.
Rather than be afraid to consume all the fat, choose products that have monounsaturated fats in almonds, avocados, olive oil, canola oil, and sesame seeds. Or, omega-3 fats in walnuts, flaxseed, fatty fish, like salmon and lean meat, and dairy products like cheese and yogurt.
OrganicCornell University study found that when people are asked to compare the flavor pastries 'organic' and 'ordinary'. They found that organic cake more delicious, low fat and low in calories even though it costs much more expensive.
In some cases, organic food is much healthier. Organic milk contains higher omega-3 fats, conjugated linoleic acid, vitamin E and good fats to fight heart disease.
However, you can avoid foods labeled organic when buying grain products, like chips, noodles, cakes, biscuits and rice, because these products tend not to have a lot of pesticide residues.
To save expenses, you should buy organic food only when they want mengasup fruits and certain vegetables that contain high levels of pesticide residues, such as:AppleCeleryStrawberriesPeachSpinachNectarine importsImported grapesSweet peppersPotatoBlueberriesLettuceKale

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