Question 1

What is a nutrition label?

Accepted Answer

A nutrition label is a list on food packages that tells you what's inside the food. It shows important things like calories, vitamins, and ingredients.

Question 2

Why do we need nutrition labels?

Accepted Answer

Nutrition labels help us know what's in our food so we can make healthy choices. It's like a little map that guides us to eat balanced meals.

Question 3

What are calories?

Accepted Answer

Calories are a way to measure how much energy is in food. Our bodies use that energy to move, play, and even think!

Question 4

What is fat, and why is it on labels?

Accepted Answer

Fat is a type of nutrient that gives us energy and helps our body grow. Labels show how much fat is in food, so we know if we're eating the right amount.

Question 5

What are vitamins and minerals?

Accepted Answer

Vitamins and minerals are important nutrients that help our bodies work properly. They keep our bones strong, our eyes healthy, and help us not get sick.

Question 6

Why is there fiber in my food?

Accepted Answer

Fiber is a part of food that helps us digest food better. It's like a broom that sweeps out the bad stuff from our body.

Question 7

What does 'serving size' mean?

Accepted Answer

The 'serving size' tells us how much of the food we should eat at once. It helps keep our portions right so we don't eat too much or too little.

Question 8

What are proteins, and why are they important?

Accepted Answer

Proteins help build muscles and repair our body. They are like building blocks that make us strong and healthy.

Question 9

What does the 'ingredient list' tell us?

Accepted Answer

The ingredient list shows all the things that were used to make the food. It's like the recipe for the food that's inside the package.

Question 10

Why is sugar listed on nutrition labels?

Accepted Answer

Sugar is listed because it's something we need to eat in small amounts. Too much sugar can be bad for our teeth and health.

Question 11

What's the difference between 'total fat' and 'saturated fat'?

Accepted Answer

'Total fat' is the amount of all types of fat together, while 'saturated fat' is a specific type we should eat less of. It helps us know which fats are healthier.

Question 12

Why do some nutrition labels show cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol helps build cells, but too much isn't good for our heart. It's shown on labels so we can keep track and stay heart-healthy.

Question 13

What is sodium, and why should we watch it?

Accepted Answer

Sodium is found in salt and helps our bodies work right, but too much can raise blood pressure. Watching sodium helps keep our hearts safe.

Question 14

What does 'percent daily value' mean?

Accepted Answer

'Percent daily value' tells us how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. It helps us see if there's a lot or a little of something we need.

Question 15

Why is there a 'calories from fat' section?

Accepted Answer

It tells us how many of the food's calories come from fat. This helps us check if we're getting energy from good nutrients.

Question 16

What is a food allergy, and why read labels because of it?

Accepted Answer

A food allergy can make some people sick when they eat certain foods. Labels help them avoid those foods to stay healthy and safe.

Question 17

What are trans fats, and are they on labels?

Accepted Answer

Trans fats are a type of unhealthy fat. They're on labels so we can avoid them and keep our hearts healthy.

Question 18

How can I use a nutrition label to eat healthier?

Accepted Answer

You can compare labels to choose foods that are lower in sugar, fat, and salt and higher in vitamins and fiber. It's like picking the best foods to make you feel great!

Question 19

What does 'dietary fiber' do for our body?

Accepted Answer

Dietary fiber helps keep our digestion smooth and keeps us full longer. It's good for feeling great and staying healthy.

Question 20

Why do labels show the amount of carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates give us the energy to run and play. Labels show us how much energy we can get from eating that food.

The Science of Nutrition Labeling - 20 FAQs Explained Simply