Doctors Push for Sodium Level on Food Labels in India
On May 17, World Hypertension Day, medical experts in India warned that high levels of sodium in processed food can trigger high blood pressure. A recent study by the George Institute for Global Health, India, a public health nongovernmental organization, found that of 7,000 products studied, nearly 73% did not publish sodium content on the nutrition label. Although it is not mandatory for manufacturers in India to publish the sodium content of a product, doctors say it would help people watch the amount of sodium they consume. Clinical nutritionist Deepa Agarwal also noted that individuals should be able to check the label and compare sodium in different brands of food like frozen meals, packaged soups, breads, dressings, and sauces, and choose those with less sodium. – The Times of India
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People with High Blood Pressure Often Have a “Salt Tooth”
High sodium intake is a known risk factor for high blood pressure and stroke, so experts are concerned that a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hypertension (ASH) found people with high blood pressure tended to prefer saltier foods. The findings from this small, preliminary trial suggest that people with elevated blood pressure are often “salt-seeking,” according to William White, current president of ASH. But the study offers a tasty alternative “by adding non-salt spices to food,” White said. In the study, all of the healthy participants showed a preference for “medium salty” or “lightly salted” bread options; by contrast, people with high blood pressure—both younger and older—favored the highly salted bread option. During a second phase of the trial, in which all breads also had oregano seasoning, people with high blood pressure chose breads that were less salty than their previous choices. – U.S. News & World Report/HealthDay
Consumers Considering Healthfulness, Survey Finds
Although taste still trumps all other considerations, the number of American consumers who are putting more emphasis on the healthfulness of food and beverages is on the upswing, according to findings from the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2014 Food & Health Survey. For the first time in at least a decade, the number of consumers who said taste drives their purchasing decisions topped 90%. Healthfulness, at 71%, narrowed the gap: In 2012, 61% of consumers said healthfulness was a factor, a figure that climbed to 64% in 2013. Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers said they have given some thought to the ingredients in their foods and beverages in the past year. When they do think about ingredients, 70% of consumers said they consider calories when making a purchase, and 62% consider sodium and whole grains, compared with 69% of consumers who considered these food components in 2013. – MeatPoultry.com