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Writer's pictureRayki Goh, MSc

"Low-Fat" Labels

Low-fat labels

Dear food people,


Proper nutrition is the foundation of a sustainable lifestyle and the key to lasting good health. As both a science and an art, mastering nutrition allows you to achieve natural weight loss with minimal effort.


In this series of articles, we explore vital health and nutrition facts that are commonly overlooked in modern times, offering practical insights to help you effortlessly improve your well-being. Our goal is to help you understand how nutrition works and how to incorporate simple health hacks for a better lifestyle.


As the old saying goes, you are what you eat.


Now, let’s get to it~



 

"LOW-FAT" LABELS


When it comes to food labels, "low-fat" often sounds like a healthy choice. The science behind these labels, however, is worth scrutinising. Many products marketed as "low-fat" are indeed lower in fat, but this reduction often comes at a cost. Manufacturers frequently replace the fat with added sugars to compensate for the loss of flavour and texture. This can lead to a paradox: a product that’s low in fat but high in sugars, which might contribute to weight gain and other health issues.


To understand why this happens, it helps to know a bit about how fats and sugars interact with our taste buds. Fat carries flavour and provides a satisfying mouthfeel, which is why it's often used in cooking and processed foods. When fat is removed, the taste can become bland or unappealing. To counter this, sugar is added. While sugar enhances flavour, it also adds extra calories, which can be detrimental to weight management if consumed in excess.


This tactic can be misleading. A product may boast a "low-fat" label, but if it's laden with sugars, it can still contribute to an increase in body weight and other metabolic issues. Moreover, excessive sugar consumption is linked to a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.


The key to navigating these labels is to opt for whole, unprocessed foods. These foods are less likely to have added sugars and other artificial ingredients. By focusing on natural foods, you avoid the pitfalls of misleading labels and enjoy the benefits of a diet that is genuinely wholesome and nutritious. For example, instead of choosing a "low-fat" granola bar, consider a handful of nuts or a piece of fresh fruit. These options provide natural nutrients without the hidden sugars found in many processed foods.


It’s always best to look at the ingredient list and nutritional information, rather than relying solely on the claims made on the front of the packaging.



3 Simple Health Hacks for A Better Lifestyle:


  1. Read Ingredients Carefully: Don’t be swayed by "low-fat" labels alone. Many of these products contain added sugars to replace the lost flavour and texture. Always check the ingredient list and nutritional information for hidden sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.


  2. Choose Whole Foods: Opt for natural, unprocessed foods whenever possible. Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains are less likely to contain added sugars and artificial ingredients. For a healthier snack, choose a piece of fresh fruit or a handful of nuts over processed, "low-fat" options.


  3. Be Mindful of Sugar Intake: Excessive sugar consumption is linked to increased risks of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. By being aware of how much sugar you're consuming and opting for naturally sweetened foods, you can better manage your overall health and weight.



 

The information provided in our articles is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content on our website, including articles, is not meant to endorse or promote any specific medical treatments, products, or procedures. The information provided is based on general knowledge and research at the time of writing. Medical practices and knowledge are constantly evolving, and what may have been accurate at the time of publication may not be current or applicable today.

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