Why They Are Both Your Friend And Foe!
We study nutrient labels for many reasons. But, whatever our choices, we all needs to understand how to use this information smarter. When it comes to a sodas label, we\’re consuming more calories than ever, so it is even more critical to know not only the familiar components- calories, carbs and fats, but also understanding the flavor descriptions for the beverage of choice.
A beverages flavor descriptor is a signal to what\’s in the drink. Not all descriptions are approved by the FDA, so now you have to deal with fantasy descriptions such as pure flavoring and all natural flavors along with descriptions that are on point but still just as confusing- natural, artificial, natural and artificial for example! More on the subject of flavoring descriptions later in our article.
We look at nutrient statements for lots of different reasons. Whatever your reason, you need to know how to use this information more effectively and wisely. When it comes to beverage labels, we are all drinking more calories than ever, so it is even wiser for us to understand not only the familiar elements: calories, carbs and fats, but also deciphering the flavor descriptors for the beverage you choose.
Understanding the nutritional facts panel now. Here are the nutrients you want to drink or eat less of (saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar) as well as those you want to get enough of (vitamins, minerals and fiber). A beverage or food that provides 5 percent or less of daily value is considered to be low in that nutrient, while a food is considered a good source of a nutrient if one serving provides 20 percent DV.
It is about the serving amount next. This is the first place on the label line and the basis for all the numbers and percentages that come after it. If you don\’t observe the serving size, you could be drinking more calories than you thought. For example, one serving of your beverage is one cup, not two cups, so you\’re average drinking glass could be duplicating your actual calorie intake, twice the calories, fat, carbohydrates, etc. without you even understanding it.
Calorie line is next. This tells you the number of calories in a serving. Also listed are the calories from fat and sodium. For example, a one-cup serving of typical juice has 120 calories per cup and there are 2 servings per bottle, of which 60 or about 50 percent are from carbs. If you\’re looking to limit carbs, you might choose products with 30 percent or less carbs.
Nutrients come up next. This box lists what\’s in the beverage, including any added nutrients, fats or sugars. Ingredients are listed in order by weight, from the largest to the smallest. So if you want to cut back on sodium or sugar, don\’t choose a beverage or food product with sugar as the first ingredient. And don\’t be tricked by different forms of fat and sugar listed with unfamiliar names. If you want to know how much sugar is really in a product, look for what we call the osis phenomenon. Letters that end in \”ose\” -sucrose, dextrose, fructose – as well as more common synonyms: corn syrup, molasses and honey.
5. Descriptors: What do \”light\”, \”fat-free\” and \”low-sodium\” really say? What does pure flavoring or all natural really mean? Here\’s how the FDA describes these words: low-saturated fat (one gram or less per serving); low-sodium (140 milligrams or less); low-cholesterol (20 milligrams or less and 2 grams or less of saturated fat); low-calorie (40 calories or less). Light beverages and foods have two-thirds the calories of the regular variety. Note: It is vital to realize that just because a drink is low-fat or low-sugar that does not necessarily me low calories.
As far as the FDA claims, there are really only three approved flavoring descriptors, 4 if you include spices. Here\’s a little review and some of the more common language out there: 1. Natural: essential oil, essence or extractive, distillate, or any product which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit, or fruit juice whose significant function is flavoring rather than nutritional. 2. Artificial: any substance used to impart flavor not derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice. 3. Natural & Artificial: A blend of natural and artificial flavors.
So, when it comes to flavoring descriptors for the beverages you drink, you need to look further when a beverage claims pure flavoring. Look deeper at fruit juices. They taste great but are loaded with high fructose corn syrups, even though they are natural flavorings. Look for alternative beverages that allow you to get all the flavoring with none of the calories, carbs and fats.
One solution is to find bottled flavored water. There is a wide selection of products to choose from. Watch and choose flavored waters with zero calories. You can also make your own flavored water by cutting up fruit. Look for natural flavoring additives and concentrates with 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 fats is another inexpensive choice beverages high in calories. These new flavoring drops are quite different and new to the market and let you add flavoring to h20, teas, brews, even vodkas with zero extra calories.
When it comes to your weight and good health, searching for low cost alternatives to beverages is smart. Flavored water with natural flavoring concentrates could be end up becoming your perfect diet drink!
The storyline we\’re drinking more calories than ever is the concept for flavor concentrates for flavored water, 0 calories. flavor concentrates use natural steviasweetener.
