CSPI Estimates 400,000 Preventable Deaths from Excess Salt Since 2010
Every year, tens of thousands of Americans prematurely fall victim to strokes, heart attacks, or other health problems caused or exacerbated by excess sodium intake, according to the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Epidemiologists have estimated that if Americans had cut their sodium intake in half beginning in April 2010, as many as 400,000 lives might have been saved. CSPI has an ongoing counter displaying the number of Americans who have died from salt-related diseases. According to CSPI, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not acted on Institute of Medicine recommendations from April 2010 to set limits on the levels of sodium allowed in various categories of processed food. – Center for Science in the Public Interest
Sodium Is Hiding in Unexpected Foods
The average American consumes about 3,300 milligrams of sodium a day, or 1,000 milligrams more than is recommended, according to CDC. In the United States, between 40,000 and 90,000 people die annually due to sodium-related issues. The main problem is not that people are adding too much table salt, but that much of the sodium is “hidden.” A can of Coca-Cola Classic contains 30 milligrams of sodium; a simple can of tomatoes may contain more than 300 milligrams. The article describes five foods that are unexpectedly high in sodium: cereal, vegetable juice, cottage cheese, bread, and condiments. – KCET
Ask Hungry Girl
“How can I lower the salt content in some of your older recipes without sacrificing flavor?” a reader asks Hungry Girl blogger Lisa Lillien, whose television show appears on Food Network and Cooking Channel. Lillien offers some recommendations, including replacing added salt with a salt-free seasoning blend; choosing lower sodium products, especially for broth, ketchup, seasoning packets, and tuna; rinsing canned items such as beans or vegetables to eliminate about 35% of the sodium listed on the can; and reducing, omitting, or finding reduced sodium options for condiments such as mustard, hot sauce, and salad dressing. – Hungry Girl