When doing grocery shopping in Canada, it is a common thing to see such health claims written boldly on packs saying “low fat” or “high fibre”. Such claims are commonly meant to guide the consumers towards healthier choices. So, what is the meaning behind them? How does the see them in relation to the Nutrition Facts Labels that Canada requires? Understanding what the real meaning behind these terms is, you can make better dietary choices.
Understanding Regulated Nutrition Claims
In Canada, the Health Canada regulates claims such as low fat and high in fibre. These claims have to fulfill certain requirements which are established by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and are defined on the basis of the data provided in the Nutrition Facts Labels required for majority of the packaged foods in Canada. These labels offer crucial nutrient content such as calories, the number of fats, saturated fats, fibre, sugars, sodium, protein and vitamins and minerals.
“Low fat” claim, for instance, can only be made if the food has 3 grams of fat and less per reference amount and per serving size stated. In the same way, to be able to put “high in fibre” on a food, at least 4 grams of fibre per serving should be present. If a product has the claim of “very high in fibre” then, there should be a presence of at least 6 grams. These are not arbitrary definitions – they are a part of the federal guidelines that make sure that health claims made on food packaging are not misleading and are accurate.
Not All ‘Low Fat’ Products Are Healthy
The one biggest misconception out there among the consumers is the equating of “low fat” to all-out healthiness. Even though a product may meet specifications to get a low fat label on it, it does not necessarily signify that it is a healthy option. For instance, most of the low-fat snacks are packed with added sugars or sodium to counter the loss of tasty when the level of fats is being reduced. That’s why it is essential to read the whole Nutrition Facts Labels that Canada requires rather than place trust on front-of-package claims.
Consumers should check the overall nutritional composition of a product, namely the level of sugar, the concentration of sodium and presence of artificial additives. A balanced diet is not just a matter of decreasing fat but also a matter of increasing the intake of fruits and foods that increase body metabolism. it’s all about picking food that will contain a wide range of essential nutrients.
Why Fibre Claims Matter
Unlike fat, fibre is one of the nutrients people lack in Canada. As suggested by Health Canada, adults are required to take between 25-38 grammes of fibre each and every day depending on age and sex. Goods being labelled as “high in fibre” or “very high in fibre” may become a part of the efforts to reach those objectives among Canadians if they end up in the everyday dishes of people.
Fibre has several health benefits, which include good digestion, healthy blood sugar level in the body, low cholesterol level among others. That is why, being conscious of fibre content in Nutrition Facts Labels Canada governs is very important for the long-term wellness. Whole grain products, legumes, fruits, and vegetables are naturally a good source of fibre, and are healthier being natural than processed foods that have added fibre.
The Role of Serving Size
Another important issue that is important in the interpretation of nutrition claims is serving size. The serving size that is written on the nutritional facts labels Canada may be different from the portion you may consume normally. Some product can be considered “low fat”, because of a small serving size, but if you eat double or triple that amount, you’re going to be consuming a lot more fat.
Always compare the amount on the label against the amount that you use. This helps you to be sure you are getting the right meaning of nutrition claims such as “low fat” or “high fibre” regarding your diet.
Making Better Food Choices
After all, while the use of such claims as “low fat” or “high fibre” could be helpful as markers, they should only be the starting points for the formation of decisions regarding the diet, rather than decision makers as such. Always consult the whole Nutrition Facts Labels Canada has on the packages in order to see the general nutrient picture. Add to this this knowledge your personal health goals and dietary needs and make more informed and healthier choices.
Label-savviness taps into consumers’ needs and makes them aware of what the most important thing is (nutritional quality, how a food plays a role in a balanced, healthful diet).