This week is Salt Awareness Week, so here are some timely reminders to help keep your intake down and your health up!

Our body needs salt to survive, but only very little; studies have shown that the amount of salt we consume is far more than required. Eating too much salt regularly puts us at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is the main cause of strokes, heart attacks and heart failures; the most common causes of death in the world.

What is salt?

Salt refers to table salt; otherwise known as sodium chloride. Without getting too technical, we require sodium in our diet to help regulate fluid in the body, it's unusual to not get enough, however all too common for us to have more than we require. 

How much should we be eating?

It is recommended that we consume no more than 6g of salt a day, which is about a teaspoon. Evidence shows we currently consume around 8.1g a day. This may be because 75% of the salt we eat is in the processed foods we eat, such as, bread, cereals, sauces, soups etc. This is what makes it difficult as the food may not taste salty, but we can't take it out. You should aim to choose the low-salt varieties or track your salt intake by using the labels on food packaging. 

How can I cut back?

We acquire a taste for salt and, over time, get used to a certain amount in our diets. If you cut back drastically and suddenly, you may at first find that your food tastes bland. However, flavour doesn’t only come from salt. Fresh and dried herbs, spices, black pepper, chilli and lemon are all great ways to add flavour. It only takes 3 weeks for our taste buds to adapt and become more sensitive to salt, so you get the same flavour impact from less salt.

Visit the Health Advice section, and read more on, Tips for a lower-salt diet.