-How can i recognize high sodium processed foods? Where is sodium mostly used, and why is bad in high consumption?
• Answer: American Heart Association 2010 Dietary Guidelines January 23, 2009 states:
"The current Dietary Guidelines recommendation that individuals consume less than 2,300mg of sodium per day is too high.
The amount should be changed to the amount recommended in the 2005 Guidelines for salt sensitive populations, or no more than 1,500mg of sodium per day."
- What are the benefits of having controlled sodium intake: "A reduced sodium intake can have significant health benefits. Studies have shown that a reduced sodium intake can lower blood pressure, prevent hypertension, can help control hypertension,and can prevent cardiovascular disease."
But then we have a problem to control the sodium intake because mainly it comes from the processed food:"To meet a science-based recommendation of 1,500mg per day, the scientific report and the policy document must strongly encourage consumers to reduce sodium intake by choosing foods with little or no salt and limiting the amount of salt added to food.
However, we acknowledge that it will be difficult for consumers to lower their sodium intake to 1,500mg on their own.
With processed foods accounting for 77% of all sodium consumed, it will require the cooperation of food manufacturers and restaurants to reduce the sodium content of the foods they make available to the public.