Have you ever wondered how much salt you are consuming? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an average of five grams per day is recommended for adults, but many, without wanting to or knowing, consume more than their share.
Five grams of salt per day is the equivalent of two grams of sodium per day, which is considered a high level of sodium consumption and one that could lead to the hypertension and increased risk of heart disease or cerebrovascular problems.
Salt is the main source of sodium on our table, which is why reducing the consumption of it is considered one of the most efficient ways of improving the population’s health.
That’s why we are giving you the following tips that you can apply to your daily routine:
- Don’t eat processed foods. These foods have a high salt content in order to prolong their shelf life.
- Reduce the use of condiments such as ketchup and, if necessary, replace them with other, more natural condiments like mustard or lime juice.
- Read labels carefully before buying food. Even sweets may contain high levels of salt.
- All the salt that we do consume must be enriched with iodine or come naturally from the sea. Iodine is added to salt in order to cover nutritional deficiencies of the modern diet and its consumption optimizes mental functions and helps promote healthy brain development of babies in the womb and in children.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead of preserved or canned goods.
Don’t opt for fast food alternatives, which tend to have higher salt content. Choose healthier options such as salads or foods that haven’t been processed as much and are high in vegetable content.
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