Health Dept Encouraging Consumers To Purchase Lower Sodium Packaged Food

Written by keith
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Nearly 90 percent of Americans consume too much sodium, much of which comes from packaged foods.

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The Health Department launched a new ad campaign today encouraging consumers to compare nutrition labels and choose products with less sodium. The ads, running in subway cars, highlight the large range of sodium in packaged foods and encourage consumers to “Compare Labels. Choose Less Sodium.” The ads will run through the month of April.

New Cutting salt intake lowers blood pressure, a major preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke – two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Even people who do not have high blood pressure can benefit substantially by consuming less salt. Researchers have estimated that reducing daily sodium intake by 1,200 milligrams can prevent up to 92,000 deaths and save up to $24 billion in health care costs each year. Nearly 90 percent of people consume too much sodium.

Recent research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that adults are not the only ones eating too much salt. Children and adolescents are also eating too much salt. Reducing sodium intake during childhood can lower the risk of high blood pressure as an adult. Learning to read food labels and compare the sodium amount in similar products is a tool people of all ages can use to lower sodium intake and decrease the risk of high blood pressure.

The Health Bulletin outlines ways to cut the salt when shopping for food, eating at home, or eating out, such as:

  • Choose fresh foods, which usually have less salt than packaged foods
  • Check the label when buying raw meat since it often has added salt
  • Cut down on salt gradually so you will be less likely to notice a difference in taste
  • Be aware that some seasonings like adobo, garlic salt and lemon pepper contain salt
  • Request that your meals be prepared without added salt at restaurants

Most people eat more salt than they should.

  • Cutting down on salt helps prevent and control high blood pressure.
  • Most people should eat no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

Your salt shaker is not the main problem!

  • Most of the salt we eat – almost 80% – comes from packaged, processed and store-bought food, and from restaurant meals (including fast food).
  • Only about 10% of the sodium in our diet comes from salt we add during cooking or at the table.

Many foods pack a lot more salt than you think. Read the Nutrition Facts label to choose products with less sodium.

  • Salty foods don’t always taste salty, so always check the label.
  • Learn how to read food labels to choose products with less sodium.

Choose a heart-healthy diet – DASH
The DASH eating plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a simple heart healthy diet that can help prevent or lower high blood pressure.

The diet is LOW in salt, cholesterol, saturated and total fat and HIGH in fruits and vegetables, fiber, and low-fat dairy products.

Combining the DASH eating plan with other lifestyle changes, like getting more physical activity, gives you the biggest benefits.

Click here to view the “Choose Less Sodium” Health Bulletin and other information on how to reduce your salt intake.


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