Central West Virginia's Guide To Life

CHEW ON THIS
By Sue Cosgrove

9/07 - Food Labels

A comedian recently discussed obesity during his stand-up routine, commenting, "Research concludes that nearly one-half of all Americans have now become three-quarters of all Americans." Funny, perhaps. True?

We've all seen and heard numerous reports and studies on fat Americans, so statistics won't appear here. But do Americans really know what's in the food they eat? Do Americans read labels? I doubt that many know and believe even fewer care about ingredients in food. As one 13-year old stated, "I don't care what's in it, as long as it tastes good!"

So what better way to start off the premiere issue of Two-Lane Livin' than with a food contest? Each issue in this column, ingredients from a national brand food item will be listed exactly as they appear on the product label. Readers try to identify the product in an email to the address appearing at the end of this column. The names of readers submitting the correct answer will appear in the next issue.

Ingredients: SOYBEAN OIL, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SY-RUP, WATER, VINEGAR, SALT, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2 OF WHEY (FROM MILK), MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, PAPRIKA, WITH SORBIC ACID AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA AS PRESERVATIVES, POLYSORBATE 60, DRIED GARLIC, XANTHAN GUM, GUAR GUM, YELLOW 6, YELLOW 5, NATURAL FLAVOR.

I have a few questions before I eat this product: What in the world is ‘natural flavor’? I thought flavor came with each ingredient. I do not keep SORBIC ACID, CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA or POLYSORBATE 60 on my pantry shelf, so am clueless as to their origins. YELLOW 5 and 6 obviously are food colorings, but what are they made from?

Want to lose weight? Have more energy? Feel satisfied after a meal? Enjoy clear skin, strong nails and lustrous hair? Sleep better? Start with reading labels and discover what you are consuming.

Here's the challenge: For one week, read the label on every food item you consume. Jot down any ingredient you cannot identify. In the next issue, you'll read about the Big Four - four very common ingredients in food products to always avoid, for the best investment in your health.

Meanwhile, Chew on This: "If you can't pronounce it, don't eat it."

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