Food label
In this assignment you will analyze food labels, list the nutrient classes and their functions, and summarize the consequences of overnutrition and undernutrition.
Complete the Food Label and Health assignment by providing a response of at least 300 words in APA format to this assignment. Include the following:
1. Discuss what the 5/20 rule is according to the Food Label and You video. Include an example of a food label from your own pantry, clearly stating how the rule applies to specific nutrients on the food label.
2. Outline how the 5/20 rule would be applied to at least two chronic diseases. For the diseases mentioned which nutrients should be reduced or increased?
3. Discuss the proposed Food Label changes outlined in the Textbook explaining how the changes would help consumers understand food labels more effectively.
4. Examine the food labels for three food items in your own pantry or refrigerator. Name the food products and build a list or a chart, indicating the following components:
1. Total calories per serving
2. Percentage of calories from fat
3. Total amount of carbohydrates (in grams)
4. Total amount of protein (in grams)
5. Total amount of fiber (in grams)
5. From your knowledge of nutrient intake and their associated chronic disease risk, are there changes you would make for the food labels examined?
Food Label and Health
The 5/20 rule simply means 5% or less of the nutrients is not good while 20% or more of the nutrients are good. The video gave an example of calcium. The video advised that if there is only 5% of calcium in orange juice then it is not good for you; while milk has 20% of calcium so it is good for you. The video also discuss 5/20 rule in the opposite sense. If you have a nutrient that is not good for your body, such as saturated fat, you should stay closer to 5% than 20%.
Consuming a high fat intake affects a person's cholesterol levels, which in turn, raises the risk for heart disease. For a person to keep their heart healthy, one must limit their intake of both saturated and trans fats. Once can actually begin by cutting down on meats and opting for lower fat dairy products. It is recommended that a male consumes approximately 17 grams of essential fats and women only need 12 grams. This is just about three or four teaspoons of vegetable oil.