Simple guide to help you choose healthier food

By Poon Chian Hui (in Mind Your Body of the Starits Times, 19 March 2009)

Note: LABEL GUIDE TO CUT AND KEEP (Original heading)

Not sure if a food product has too much sugar, salt or fat? Here is a simple guide to help you choose healthier food.

Products that fulfil the requirements listed are healthier choices.

· Sugar
Less than 10g per 100g serving.

Drinks: Less than 2.5g per 100ml serving.

· Dietary fibre
More than 6g per 100g serving.

· Sodium (salt)
Excellent choice: Less than 120mg per 100g serving.
Good choice: Less than 450mg per 100g serving.

· Total fat
Less than 10g per 100g serving.
Exceptions: Less than 2g per 100g serving for milk and yogurt.
Less than 5g per 100g serving for ice cream.

· Saturated fat
Less than 1.5g per 100g serving.

· Trans-fat
Less than 0.05g per serving.

Information provided by Alexandra Hospital