Next on the nutrition facts label, look for the percent daily values (% DV) of nutrients. A
food is low in a nutrient if the percent daily value of the nutrient is 5% or less. The healthiest
foods are low in nutrients such as fats and sodium. A food is high in a nutrient if the percent
daily value of the nutrient is 20% or more. The healthiest foods are high in nutrients such
as fiber and proteins. Look at the percent daily values on the food label inFigure17.7.
Which nutrients have values of 5% or less? These are the nutrients that are low in this food.
They include fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. Which nutrients have values of 20% or
more? These are the nutrients that are high in this food. They include sodium, potassium,
and calcium.
Using Ingredients Lists
The food label in Figure17.8 includes the list of ingredients in a different food. The
ingredients on food labels are always listed in descending order. This means that the main
ingredient is listed first. The main ingredient is the ingredient that is present in the food
in the greatest amount. As you go down the list, the ingredients are present in smaller and
smaller amounts.
Figure 17.8: This food label includes the list of ingredients in the food. The main ingredient
is enriched wheat flour, followed by high-fructose corn syrup. Why should you avoid foods
with ingredients such as these at the top of the ingredients list? ( 15 )
Reading the ingredients lists on food labels can help you choose the healthiest foods. At the