Basics of nutrition·30 questions

How much salt can you eat?

Answer

The World Health Organization recommends consuming no more than five grams of salt per day for an adult, which is approximately equivalent to one flat teaspoon. Nevertheless, real statistics show that the majority of people around the world consume significantly more than the norm, on average from nine to twelve grams of salt every day, which creates a serious burden on the body.

The main problem is that hidden salt is contained not at all in the salt shaker on the dining table, but in already processed industrially produced foods, such as sausages, canned goods, sauces, snacks, semi-finished products, and even regular store-bought bread. Manufacturers add it in large quantities to enhance flavor and extend the shelf life of goods.

Regularly exceeding the daily salt norm directly leads to fluid retention in the body, increased blood pressure, and a significant increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and heart attacks. To take salt consumption under control, try to cook food yourself as often as possible from fresh basic ingredients.

To reduce the amount of salt in your diet during home cooking, use proven practical steps and alternative methods of improving the taste of dishes.

Gradually reduce the amount of salt in recipes so that your taste buds get used to a more natural food taste in two to three weeks.
Actively replace salt with dried herbs, aromatic spices, garlic, onions, dried mushrooms, as well as lemon juice and natural vinegar.
Carefully read the labels of ready-made products in supermarkets, choosing goods marked with a reduced sodium content or completely eliminating industrial fast food from your cart.
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