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The Low Carb Food Labels
by Johnny Stamos
Some people argue that these days some of the labeling about so-called net carbs in various low carb foods is simply designed to promote and sell more products. This is debatable. So the key question is: Do food labels actually provide the customers with the accurate information they need in order to help them avoid processed carbohydrates? For instance, some of the foods that claim to have little or no carbs, such protein bars and sweets, taste too waste to not have carbohydrates in them.
There are also customers who simply do not look at the details about the contents of the food as stated on the labels. It is strongly recommended that you read the low carb food labels and understand them, so that you buy and eat what is suitable for you and your diet.
Once you start a diet, you must read the low carb food labels, and be informed about how the products are actually manufactured.
Some low carb foods are labeled 'low carb foods attain lower carbs by their method of carb counting; and this is fact you must know. Some of the labels list total carbohydrates, then eventually subtract certain items from the total to arrive at net, effectual, or usable carbohydrates. This is the number that is always shown on the front of the food pack.
On food labels, do you know the difference between the 'total carbohydrate' and the 'net carbohydrate'? There is a wording somewhere on the low carb package that explains the difference between these two. Amongst the nutritionists and experts, there are some disagreements on the calculating method. Due to the fact that there is no legal definition of the term 'low carb' or any official means of distinguishing it, most of the low carb food consumers are not well informed or given good advice.
In order for you to fully comprehend the low carb food labels, you must know the net carb content of the food item. 'Net' carb content is derived from subtracting the grams of fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrates. The reasoning behind this is that many of the low carb food manufacturers believe that fiber, while technically a carbohydrate, is not absorbed by the body, and therefore must not be measured as carbohydrate.
As far as sugar alcohols are concerned, the low carb food manufacturers believe that although these are technically carbohydrates and a source of calories, they have an effect on the blood sugar, and therefore must not be added up as carbohydrates.
Because some of the food labels are not very clear while some are not so easy to understand; it is recommended that instead of buying and consuming large quantities of processed low carb foods, such as low carb protein bars and low carb mixes or drinks, you are better off eating natural low carb foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
If you want to eat low carb, it is better for you to get away from all processed foods, including low carb processed foods. Alternatively, be very vigilant in reading food labels and make sure you understand them. Some of the net carb statements may be a marketing ploy, and the content label may not be essentially a good description of whats actually contained in these food products.
It is your body, it is your health. Be vigilant in reading the low carb food labels and be informed about what you are eating!
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