What does healthy mean on food labels? As consumers, we rely on package labels to help us make informed decisions about the foods we buy. But what does it mean when a food label says it is “healthy”?
In general, the term “healthy” means that a food is low in fat and calories and contains important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Foods that are labeled as healthy also must meet certain criteria to be considered as such. The criteria vary from country to country, but in the United States, there are two main requirements for a product to be labeled as “healthy”.
The first requirement is that the product must contain at least 10 percent of one or more of the following nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein or fiber. The second requirement is that the food must not contain any ingredients that could potentially increase your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease or cancer.
Examples of Healthy Foods
Some examples of foods that may be considered healthy include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats such as chicken and fish, whole grains like oats and quinoa, low-fat dairy products like yogurt and cheese, legumes like beans and lentils, nuts and seeds. Additionally, some processed foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals may also meet the criteria to be classified as a “healthy” food.
Benefits of Eating Healthy Foods
Eating healthy foods can provide numerous benefits for your body. It can help you maintain a healthy weight by providing you with essential nutrients without all the added calories from fat or sugar. Eating healthy also helps reduce your risk for certain chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Additionally, eating healthy can give you more energy throughout the day by providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when a food label says it is “healthy” it generally means that it meets certain criteria including being low in fat and calories while containing important nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber. Examples of healthy foods include fruits and vegetables, lean meats like chicken and fish; whole grains; low-fat dairy; legumes; nuts; and seeds. Eating these types of foods can provide numerous health benefits including weight management; reducing risk for chronic diseases; improved energy levels; among others.