Salt Awareness Week 2022

Excess salt in your diet, like many other substances consumed in excess, can create health problems in the short and long term. The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume no more than 5 g (just under a teaspoon) of salt each day. However, many people take significantly more salt than is allowed for a day, which can contribute to health problems.

Water retention, a brief rise in blood pressure, excessive thirst, and, in severe situations, hypernatremia can all result from consuming large amounts of salt over a short period of time.

Long-term consumption of too much salt may increase your chance of stomach cancer and elevate your blood pressure, both of which can lead to strokes and congestive heart failure. It has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and death.

The Salt Awareness Week 2022 focuses on a simple yet effective approach that we can all use to enhance our health — by shaking the salt habit!

What you can do to reduce your salt consumption:
1. Avoid using salt in your homemade foods.
2. Flavour your food with spices and herbs.
3. Consume more fresh food;
4. Choose unsalted nuts and seeds, as well as dried beans, peas, and lentils.
5. When dining out, request that your dish be prepared without salt.

Shake off your salt habit so that we can all enjoy longer, healthier lives.