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Use and abuse of light foods
Be it margarine, boiled ham, milk, candy or potato chips, these days just about any kind of food has a light version. The phenomenon of low-calorie food has spread throughout the world to address a problem which, although it has clear aesthetic connotations, mainly involves health: obesity (35% of the population of the United States is overweight, for instance). Helping people achieve and maintain their ideal weight is the main goal of this kind of food, which all of us have tried at one time or another. It also the subject of controversy, with the main question being: do light foods serve their stated purpose?

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The term light refers to foods with fewer kilocalories than others of the same category. The definition is key because when we buy, say, light chocolate we are not buying a product that is non-fattening but one that contributes fewer calories than regular chocolate. The same applies to pat�s, margarine or mayonnaise, for instance. They are lighter because they contain more water or lean meat.

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In the case of soft drinks, the word light usually means zero kilocalories and thus we can even call them a dietary product in the strict sense of the word. In the case of candy, it is sugar that is removed and replaced with sweeteners like sorbitol, saccharin and aspartame.

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In Spain, the law says a light food should have 30% fewer kilocalories than its regular counterpart. The label should show its caloric content and the percentage reduction. It is important to read this because it is the only way to determine if it is worthwhile to eat the product or opt instead for the non-light version and simply eat less of it. Don�t be fooled: there is no food that will cause you to lose weight. Anything you eat has calories.

Many foods undergo processes in which fat is removed and replaced by carbohydrates or ingredients with a lower lipid content. This makes them healthier. Besides causing weight gain, excessive consumption of fat leads to high cholesterol levels and serious cardiovascular diseases.

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A similar case is that of light bread. It offers a minimal reduction in calories compared to regular bread but is healthier because it contains more fiber, which is friendlier to the intestine, and helps control levels of glucose in the blood.

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Dairy goods are another area where light versions are common. Light milk, cheese and yogurt contain half the calories of regular products and reduce fat levels by as much as 3.5 percent, which helps one�s figure and metabolism. Another advantage is that their calcium and protein content is not affected, so these foods remain complete and healthy.

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Without a doubt light foods are useful, whether you are on a diet or not, and a good way to consume fewer calories and less fat. It is entirely another thing to base your food intake on them. Instead, they should be combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. They are the only way to lose weight. So eat light foods but don�t abuse them.

Fat-free foods: contain less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving
Low-calorie foods: contain less than 40 kilocalories per serving
Light foods: contain at least a third fewer calories than the regular version of the product