How safe are low fat foods?

One of the most popular phrases in today’s health-conscious society is “low-fat.” Other common phrases we hear are “low-fat diet,” “sugar free,” or “calorie free.” What is being touted by the use of these phrases is that these foods are healthy because they are low in fat or calories. As a result, some people believe they are healthier than other food choices available.

emmerson campbell logoMany health conscious individuals therefore believe that these foods will help them get into better shape. They are wrong. The reality is that these foods aren’t as healthy as advertised. In actuality, they are more harmful than helpful.

False advertising?
The US Food and Drug Administration has strict rules on how the following terms are to be used:

Sugar free/fat free: These products must have less than .5 grammes per serving.

Low cholesterol: These foods have 20mg or less of saturated fat per serving.

Low fat: These foods have less than 3 grammes of fat per serving.

Unfortunately, much