Do You Know What You're Putting On – And In – Your Body?

What Packaging and Labels Can Tell You

 

 





Whether you're counting calories, have a food allergy, or are a vegan, the nutrition facts label – that standard list of how many calories, carbs, sodium and other nutrients are in what you eat and drink – is one of your best resources for staying healthy and monitoring what you put in your body.

While reading the nutrition facts label is a good starting point to learn if an item is healthy or not, it doesn't tell you the full story of what's actually in the food. The same goes for lotions, makeup, and other products you put on your body.

But as we learn more about the adverse health effects of certain chemicals and environmental toxins, knowing the details of what goes on and in your body has become increasingly important.
Here's how to be a savvier label reader, and tips for people with special health concerns.