Profe Claudio Nieto: Nutrition facts labels

Profe Claudio Nieto talks to you about nutrition facts labels.

Provides useful information to help you understand them better.

There is a lot of misinformation regarding labels.

In the seemingly simple world of nutrition facts labels, a network of deceptive information hides, affecting our food choices.

Join me on this journey to unravel the tricks behind those numbers and percentages.

Reference Values and Average Adult Selection. Nutritional labels, for the most part, rely on inaccurate ideas by basing percentages on recommended amounts for an average adult.

This approach is justified by the higher calorie consumption of adults due to their body size and energy expenditure. Children and older individuals, with different caloric needs, are practically ignored by the industry.

Information on nutrition facts labels

Shutterstock

Proposed Reference Values. The proposed values for an average adult, such as energy, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, may seem like standards at first glance.

However, when looking at the percentage value, you realize that they refer to the recommended daily amount for an average adult, creating a distorted picture of individual needs.

Questioning the Quality and Quantity of Nutrients. The key question is: what should we consume in 24 hours? The answer not only lies in the quantity but also in the quality.

For example, carbohydrates can come from various sources, such as fruits, but the logic behind this leaves room for doubt.

Deceptive Data

Shutterstock

Sugar and its Deceptive Names: Despite the reference to 90g of sugar, it is emphasized that sugar is not an essential nutrient.

The industry uses names like glucose syrup to hide sugar and breaks down sugars into different types, thus concealing their real impact.

Deception in Fat Labels. The industry plays with the positive perception of plant-based products by presenting refined vegetable oils as healthy.

The lack of distinction between saturated and unsaturated fats and the underestimation of the balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 are tactics contributing to biased information.

Portion Information

Shutterstock

Manipulation of Portion Size. The manufacturer defines the amount per serving, often distorting the reality of consumption.

Small sizes are indicated to hide significant amounts of sugar or fats, leading to uninformed food decisions.

Trans Fats and Tricks in Portion Size. A revealing trick: if servings contain up to 0.49 grams of trans fats, it is rounded down to zero.

This trick allows products to be sold as trans fat-free, despite containing significant amounts. Profe Claudio Nieto thanks you for your attention and bids farewell for now. Until next time!