Understanding how to read nutrition labels is important for maintaining a heart-healthy diet.
Knowing what to look for and how to interpret the information, helps you to make informed choices about the foods you eat and lower your risk of heart disease.
Start with serving size on the label to determine the amount of the product that constitutes a serving. This will aid you in assessing the number of calories and nutrients present in each serving.[Source:heart.org]
Check the calories per serving to help you manage your daily calorie intake.[heart.org]
Check for saturated and trans fats and choose as low as possible to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.[Source:heart.org]
Limit the intake of added sugars, which contributes to weight gain and other health problems.[Source:heart.org]
Look for foods with low sodium levels to help maintain healthy blood pressure.[Source:heart.org]
Choose foods that are high in fiber, which aids in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease.[Source:heart.org]
Check for vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and calcium, which are important for strong bones and overall health.[Source:heart.org]
Use the % Daily Value to determine whether a food is high or low in certain nutrients.[Source:heart.org]
Compare products to make healthier choices. Choose products with lower calories, saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Read the label for potential allergens to avoid allergic reactions.
Use these tips and guidelines to read nutrition labels and understand the information provided, to make better food choices for your heart health.