Monday, November 29, 2010

Common Food Label Lies

The Daily Green reports that reading food labels isn't as easy as people think. There are plenty of food label lies. Here are three of the top common misconceptions.

The Zero Trans Fat Swap
That package of potato chips states Trans Fat Free. Great, right? Not so fast. Many companies have simply reformulated their products, replacing trans fat with saturated fat. Health-wise, there is little difference. It is still bad for your heart.

Added Fiber
If a product claims the benefits of added fiber, beware. Most of this added fiber comes from purified powders, which have no added health benefits. For the real thing, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.

The Goodness of Whole Grains
And speaking of whole grains, be sure to check the ingredients before you trust the label's claim. Whole grains should be the first ingredient, not the third or fourth. In this case, there are no points for second place.