Do you read the nutrition labels while shopping? Research has proven that you might just be healthier for it.  And you are not alone.  A USDA study released in February 2014 found that 42% of adults between ages 29 and 68 did, and 57% of Americans older than 70 did.

In a time that more than a third of Americans are obese, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is implementing several changes to the nutrition labels you see on packaged foods and beverages.  It is currently in the 90-day comment period, a time when experts and the public can have input on the proposed changes.  The final rule should be complete this year.

Some of the proposed changes are as follows:

• A change in serving size to accurately represent what is eaten.  An estimated 17% of food on the market will have to change its serving size.
• The amount of fat from calories would be removed from the label, but the breakdown of saturated and trans fat would remain.
• There will be a bigger emphasis on calories.
• The daily limit of sodium would lower from 2,400 to 2,300
• The label will show the amount of added sugars vs. naturally occurring sugars.  It is recommended that men eat no more than 150 calories from added sugars per day; for women the number is 100 calories.
• Beneficial vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, potassium, calcium, iron will have prominence on the label.

But don't expect to see theses change right away; manufacturing companies have 2 years to implement the changes.