HEALTH & FITNESS
Salt:
The Facts Dear Doctor investigates the proper ties of salt and poses the question: how much is too much?
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alt is a white crystalline powder containing sodium and chloride. Although it has many functions within the chemical industry, it is most commonly used within the food sector as a seasoning and preservative. Guidelines from the Food Standards Association (FSA) state that adults should consume no more than six grams of salt per day, which equates to 2.4 grams— or approximately one teaspoon. Unfortunately, the average adult in the UK consumes 8.1 grams per day, according to the NHS. Eating too much salt has been linked to elevated blood pressure, which can lead to wider health problems like coronary heart disease. High blood pressure (hypertension) can also put you at higher risk of suffering a stroke.
64 DEAR DOCTOR WITH DR CHRIS STEELE
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SALT OR SODIUM?
can come as a surprise, however, are the high levels of salt lurking in other everyday items such as cereal and jarred sauces. In fact, the British Heart Foundation states that ‘around three quarters of the salt we eat has already been added to our food before we buy it’. An extra 10 percent of our daily intake derives from the salt we add to our meals for seasoning. The final 15 percent comes from foods in which it occurs naturally. Foods that are always high in salt include anchovies, bacon, cheese, olives, pickles, prawns, salami, smoked meats, soy sauce and stock cubes.
HIDDEN SALT
CHANGE YOUR SHOPPING HABITS
Salt and sodium shouldn’t be confused with one another. Some food labels may include the figures for both, while others may state the sodium content only. In order to discern the amount of salt from a sodium reading, multiply the amount by 2.5. For example, one gram of sodium per 100 grams is equal to 2.5 grams of salt per 100 grams. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends ‘a reduction in sodium intake to reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and coronary heart disease’.
Most people are aware of the high salt content in certain foods like crisps and dry-roasted nuts. What
When food shopping, always check the label of products before buying.
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06/08/2018 11:22