The tiny ingredient that can make a BIG difference to your health
In light of both World Nutrition Day and Hypertension Week in #MoveMoreMay, here are things you can do to reduce salt in your diet - a small ingredient with significant implications for our health, writes Dr Mosima Mabunda, Head of Wellness at Discovery Vitality
The World Health Organization reports that the average person worldwide consumes 9 to 12 grams of salt every day, which is twice the recommended maximum level of intake. Adults should consume less than 5 grams or just under a teaspoon of salt each day... yet many of us far exceed this limit.
The excessive consumption of salt is worrying because it is directly linked to hypertension, or a high blood pressure, which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Salt in the diet can come from processed foods such as ready meals; processed meats like bacon, ham, and salami; cheese; salty snack foods and instant noodles. It can also be added to food during cooking or at the table, such as stock cubes, soy sauce, fish sauce and, of course, the innocent-looking bottle of table salt on your restaurant table.
Sadly, about 80% of salt in the diet comes from processed foods. On the other hand, people are consuming fewer fruits and vegetables, which contain potassium that actually helps to reduce blood pressure.
Reducing global salt consumption to the recommended level could prevent an estimated 2.5 million deaths every year.
#More of what you can do to improve salt intake today
One way to reduce salt intake is to prepare food at home more often. Not only is this a healthier approach to eating, but it can also be quick and easy with a few recipe hacks.
By increasing our intake of fruit and vegetables, we can also boost our potassium levels and help to reduce blood pressure.
We can also add flavour to our food without adding salt by using different fresh and dried herbs and salt-free spices, garlic, vinegar or lemon juice and zest.So, small changes, big impact. Let's make a conscious effort to reduce our salt intake and improve our overall health. By making small changes to our diets and lifestyles, we can improve our overall health and well-being. Let's use World Nutrition Day and Hypertension Week as an opportunity to reflect on our eating habits and make positive changes for our future health.