The body needs some salt, but too much can cause high blood pressure, which is a major cause of strokes and heart attacks. High levels of salt are also associated with fluid retention, stomach cancer and osteoporosis. Some sweet snacks, breakfast foods and low-fat foods contain high levels of sodium even though they may not taste salty, according to an analysis of supermarket products by a consumer group.
The Food Commission has analysed four types of foods - white bread, baked beans, tomato soup and crisps - to see how today's salt levels compare to those recorded in 1978. They also examined children's foods to see if they meet the Government's salt recommendations. According to the center, while some companies have reduced sodium in their products in recent years, amounts have spiked in other products over the same time period. A serving of french friesat Hardee’s, the fast food chain, contains three times as much sodium as it did in 2005, according to C.S.P.I.
The Food Commission discovered that the levels of salt in crisps had risen dramatically and children's foods were far too salty. In contrast the salt levels for white bread, baked beans and tomato soup had hardly changed. Experts say too much salt is a major health issue, but cooking at home, not adding salt to food and eating more fresh produce could help.
The best safeguard against consuming too much is to read the labels and become aware. That means avoiding foods that are high in sodium. You can dramatically reduce the amount of salt you intake by making minor modifications to your every day diet.
Is salty food bad for your health?
