The decrease in the quality of baby foods and then of many spices has created fear in the minds of people regarding the consumption of canned food. In a recent statement related to this, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has cautioned people that food labels on packaged items can be misleading. The top health research body has stressed that consumers should read the information carefully. It is important to exercise some caution in choosing healthy options for diet.
ICMR said many foods that claim to be sugar-free may be high in fat. Similarly, most canned fruit juices may contain only up to 10 percent fruit pulp. In its recently released dietary guidelines, ICMR said that health claims on packaged food are designed to grab the attention of consumers and convince them that the product is healthy, but they should use their discretion to judge how healthy they are. It is necessary to give.
Canned products are being sold as natural
The Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) said in its dietary guidelines for Indians that although the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has strict standards, the information presented on the labels can be misleading. Giving an example, NIN said that a food product can be called 'natural' only if colors, flavors, or artificial substances are not added to it.
Double check claims
NIN cautioned that it is being observed that the term 'natural' is often being used loosely for packaged foods. It is often used by manufacturers even if the canned product contains only one or two natural ingredients. This can be confusing so people need to read the ingredients and other information carefully. Double-check the label claims on packaged products for better health.
Warning regarding protein powder also
Earlier, ICMR had also warned about the side effects caused by protein supplements in its dietary guidelines. Experts said that in their desire to build their bodies, youth are knowingly or unknowingly consuming things that are harmful to the body in the name of protein powder. Due to this, fitness not only does not improve but the risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity increases.
Extra sugar and chemical flavors are added to the protein powders sold in the market for artificial taste. As a result, more sugar is going into our bodies with every scoop. Excess of sugar and calories is known to cause weight gain and many types of chronic diseases.
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