The foods you eat can affect your health. For example, eating too much saturated fat has been connected with heart disease. To help you choose foods that may benefit your health, look for health claims on the label. Health claims describe links between what you eat and your risk of a disease. Some of the health claims you may see are listed below.
| To Make Health Claims About... |
The Food Must Be... |
| Heart Disease and Fats |
Low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol |
| Heart Disease and Fruits, Vegetables and Grain Products |
A fruit, vegetable or grain product low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, that contains at least 0.6 gram soluble fiber per serving |
| Blood Pressure and Sodium |
Low in sodium |
| Cancer and Fat |
Low in fat or fat-free |
Other claims may appear on some labels. They can be used only if a food meets specific legal guidelines set by the government.
Health Claims About Heart Disease and Fat, Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
If you see a claim about heart disease, that means the food is low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. A diet low in these nutrients will reduce the risk of heart disease in most people, but not everyone. Things like your family health history, smoking, obesity and diabetes also affect your risk of heart disease.
Health Claims About High Blood Pressure and Sodium
If you see a claim about high blood pressure and sodium, that means the food is low in sodium. A low-sodium diet is related to lower blood pressure in some people, but not everyone. Things like your family health history, age, excess weight, and drinking too much alcohol may also be related to high blood pressure.
