Pay Attention To Packages
Nutrition labels and food packages can provide important health clues about fat, fiber, soy and sterols:

Look for health claims on the label about the connection between whole grain, soluble fiber, soy protein or plant sterols and risk for heart disease. These claims are approved by the FDA and only certain foods can display any one of these claims. Look on the Nutrition Facts panel for the amount of soluble fiber, saturated fat, and trans fat. Find foods with less saturated and trans fat and more soluble fiber. Look for statements on the food label that indicate the product is made with whole grain. Look at the ingredient list to find whole grain listed as one of the first ingredients, such as whole wheat or whole grain oats. Don’t be misled, however. Foods that claim to be “multi-grain,” “100 percent wheat” or “high fiber” are not necessarily whole grain.