Decoding Food Labels: What You Should Look For

A Complete Guide By The Best Multispeciality Hospital In Dammaiguda. Every time you buy packaged food, you make a health decision—often without realizing it. In today’s busy lifestyle, processed and packaged foods have become part of daily meals. But do you check the nutrition label before purchasing? At Shri Adithya Hospital, Dammaiguda, we believe informed food choices are the first step toward a healthier life Why Reading Food Labels Matters Food labels provide essential details about ingredients, calories, sugar, salt, fats, and serving size. Understanding these labels helps people: Make healthier grocery choices Prevent lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity Manage high blood pressure and heart disease Improve overall family nutrition Avoid allergens and harmful additives How to Read Food Labels: Expert Nutrition Advice from Shri Adithya Hospital 1. Check the Serving Size First Nutrition values are listed per serving, not per packet. Look for: Calories per serving Total fat (low saturated fat preferred) Carbohydrates & added sugars Protein content Dietary fiber Tip from our hospital dietitian in Dammaiguda: Many snack packs contain 2–3 servings, increasing calorie intake unknowingly. 2. Read the Ingredients List Carefully Ingredients appear in descending order by weight. Avoid products where sugar, salt, maida, or refined oils are listed among the first three ingredients. Short, simple ingredient lists usually indicate healthier packaged foods. 3. Understand Macronutrients Clearly Fats: Choose foods low in saturated fat; avoid trans fat completely Carbohydrates: Limit added sugars to protect blood sugar levels Proteins: Look for plant or dairy protein sources like lentils, soy, or milk Choose low-sugar, high-fiber packaged foods 4. Hidden Sugar: A Common Cause of Diabetes Sugar appears under many names: High-fructose corn syrup