Calories and Calories from Fat

A calorie is a measure of heat or energy production. No matter how we try to avoid it, calories count - not enough and the body has no fuel, too many and the body stores the excess as fat. It is important to study the label of any package. The calorie value of fruit, for example, is low, however many canned fruits are loaded with a sugary syrup which is high in calories. Meat products may be excessively high in fats.

Fats provide nine calories per gram. Many vitamins are fat soluble, therefore fat is a necessary part of the diet, but if the total calorie count is 200 and the calories from fat equals 100, half of your calories are fat calories. Adjust the diet accordingly to ensure absorption of a variety of vitamins and to prevent weight gain.

The FDA tells us that 40 calories is low, 100 calories is moderate and, 400 calories is high. Calories count, calories count, calories count.

It is important to remember that the label gives you the amount per serving.

next - fats

• serving size and servings per container
• calories and calories from fat
• fats
• cholesterol
• sodium
• carbohydrates
• dietary fiber
• sugars
• protein
• vitamin content
• label footnote

This material is provided as a general guide, and is not intended as advice. Please contact a physician if you have dietary problems. The FDA may change or alter labels at their discrimination.

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