Health Buzzwords on Food Labels Are Misleading Consumers, Study Finds
People say they want to make healthful choices, but “food marketers are taking advantage of them by misleading those consumers with deceptive labeling,” said Temple Northup, author of a new study published in the journal Food Studies. For example, Northup notes that the Chef Boyardee beef ravioli container claims to contain a full serving of vegetables; however, although the ingredient label lists tomatoes and carrots, the carrots rank behind salt in volume. Looking at two side-by-side nutrition panels, the participants were told the category but not the name of the product. Based just on those numbers, 33% of participants chose Spam as more healthful than salmon, and 79% chose the less healthful cereal in a pair. Consumers are confused, and no one wants to spend much time doing arithmetic to compare labels while they shop, Northup said. – Los Angeles Times
Quick Tips to Be Sodium Savvy
Nearly all Americans consume more sodium than they need, and often they do not know how much sodium they are consuming because taste alone may not make clear which foods are high in sodium. Most sodium comes from processed and ready-to-eat foods, which usually come in cans, jars, packages, and boxes. This article offers tips to become more sodium savvy, including reading Nutrition Facts panels to compare the sodium content for similar foods, serving more fresh foods and fewer processed foods, and modifying recipes that use high sodium ingredients. – Grand Island Independent
Understanding High Blood Pressure and Salt’s Impact
High blood pressure is a complicated disease and a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, it is difficult to treat high blood pressure effectively because the disease has many causes. This article describes some of the blood pressure basics, including the impact of sodium. The sodium in table salt (sodium chloride) attracts water and holds on to it. In the bloodstream, excess sodium pulls water in and keeps it circulating in the blood. In general, blood is about 50% fluid, but the fluid volume can go much higher if there is too much sodium present. Higher fluid volume equates to higher pressure. One of the first medications prescribed for high blood pressure is a diuretic, which helps the body excrete more fluid. However, reducing sodium intake could be an alternative route. Some people’s salt sensitivity can be pronounced, and reducing salt intake can have a significant effect on lowering blood pressure. – The Courier-Journal
Oregano Can Stave Off Salt Cravings, Study Finds
Salt can be found in a variety of dishes, but maintaining a diet that is low in sodium is crucial for heart health, especially for seniors. Although most chefs use herbs and spices to add flavor to dishes, a recent study from the American Society of Hypertension found that certain spices may have long-lasting effects on health. The study found that oregano may be able to stimulate the same senses as salt, providing a much healthier alternative for seniors in retirement communities. According to the study, individuals with high blood pressure experienced fewer cravings for salty foods after eating foods seasoned with oregano. – Sunrise Senior Living