Being able to read labels is very important for understanding nutrition. It is even better when you have a good grasp of what calories and macronutrients are. But unfortunately, there are factors that can change the quality of our food including nutrients and energy. So just because a food says it’s 100Kcal doesn’t mean it’ll break down to that in the body.
Fibre/Resistant Starches – These are often over estimated in foods
Outdated Data – Some of the information is old data that needs to be updated
Imprecise Analytical Tools – Not using correct tools for measurement
Product Variety – Tests may be carried out on single samples. Does not take into account batches or variability between samples
Soil Composition – Food composition tables don’t take into account the composition of the soil some food is grown in
Ripeness when harvested- Ever taste in season fruit compared to out of season? Taste difference. Nutrition Difference.
Animal Diets – This can change the nutritional composition of meat
Length of storage – Nutrients are much different in products harvested yesterday than a few weeks ago in a different time zone
Preparation/Cooking food – Raw foods are different in nutrient composition versus cooked foods
Fibre/Resistant Starches – These are often over estimated in foods
Outdated Data – Some of the information is old data that needs to be updated
Imprecise Analytical Tools – Not using correct tools for measurement
Product Variety – Tests may be carried out on single samples. Does not take into account batches or variability between samples
Soil Composition – Food composition tables don’t take into account the composition of the soil some food is grown in
Ripeness when harvested- Ever taste in season fruit compared to out of season? Taste difference. Nutrition Difference.
Animal Diets – This can change the nutritional composition of meat
Length of storage – Nutrients are much different in products harvested yesterday than a few weeks ago in a different time zone
Preparation/Cooking food – Raw foods are different in nutrient composition versus cooked foods