Ever see the words "Net Carbs" on a food label and wonder what it means? Do you feel enticed, thinking that maybe some magic erases certain carbohydrates in the food so that they don't really count? Unsurprisingly, these words mostly mislead health-conscious shoppers.
Las Vegas-based registered dietician Andy Bellatti explains:
"Net carbs" — total grams of carbohydrate minus fiber and sugar alcohols — is absolutely meaningless. There is no legal definition; it is supposed to give an indication of how many carbohydrates actually affect blood sugar, but it isn't accurate or helpful. Ignore. Look at fiber grams and read the ingredient list, instead.
When it comes to finding healthy foods, we've often noted that you need to look at the food as a whole. One little advertisement doesn't negate the need to consider every ingredient and the balance of nutrition they provide. When you see "Net Carbs" or any other potentially enticing label, you don't have to avoid the food but you should look at the nutrition label critically. Make sure you buy something that benefits your health, not just food that claims to.