Scientifically approved food health claims
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorised the following
claims that food manufacturers can place on their labels:
Calcium and osteoporosis
A calcium-rich diet may help prevent osteoporosis, a condition in
which the bones become thin and brittle. Sample foods rich in calcium
include milk, yogurt, tofu, calcium-fortified citrus drinks and some
calcium supplements.
Sodium and hypertension
Although table salt is the most common form of sodium, many foods
already contain significant amounts of sodium. Limiting your sodium
intake may help prevent hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a
risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Daily sodium intake should not
exceed 2,400 mg, although the typical American gets between 3,000 and
6,000 mg.
Dietary fat and cancer
High-fat diets increase your risk of some types of cancer. Experts
recommend consuming fewer than 30 percent of your daily calories from
fat. Low-fat foods include fruits, vegetables, cereals and pastas.
Saturated fat, cholesterol and coronary heart disease
From a health point of view, saturated fats are worse than regular
old fats. That's why experts say your diet should contain less than 10
percent of calories from saturated fats. A diet low in saturated fats
can help control cholesterol and, therefore, prevent heart disease.
Fruits, vegetables, fibre-rich grain products and coronary heat
disease
The potential benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables
and whole-grain products that contain fibre, particularly those that
contain soluble fibre, include a lower risk of coronary heart disease.
Soy protein and heart-health
Including soy protein in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol
may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Common soy products
include tofu, soymilk, soy burgers, soy cheese, soy protein isolate, soy
nuts, soy flour and soy nut butter.
Fruits, vegetables, fibre-rich grain products and cancer
A fibre-rich diet may reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Good
foods include fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals.
Fruits, vegetables and cancer
Although many fruits and vegetables do contain fibre, they are also
low in fat, and many contain vitamins that may lower the risk of some
cancers, such as vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and vitamin C.
Folate and neural tube birth defects
A lack of folate may contribute to defects of the neural tube (a
structure in the brain and spinal cord). Experts say every woman of
childbearing age should get 400 mcg of folic acid daily. Foods with
folate include fresh leafy green vegetables, peas, some dried beans,
vegetables, oranges, grapefruit, enriched grain products and fortified
cereals. Consuming a healthy diet with sufficient folate may reduce a
pregnant woman's risk of having a child with brain or spinal cord birth
defects.
Sugar alcohol and cavities
Eating foods high in sugar and starches (which turn to sugar) may
promote tooth decay (dental caries). Products without sugar (or those
that use certain approved sugar alcohols) can claim that they do not
promote tooth decay.
Soluble fibre and coronary heart disease
Soluble fibres vary greatly in their effect on coronary heart
disease. That's why only two substances containing soluble fibre -whole
oats and psyllium seed husk -have been approved for their health
benefit. Some approved foods that contain whole oats or psyllium seed
husks include oatmeal, oatbran, oatmeal cookies, breads, muffins and
cereals. Therefore, diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that
include a daily intake of soluble fibre from whole oats or psyllium seed
may reduce the risk of heart disease.
