Originally published August 6 2005
Salt intake rises as people ignore medical advice
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Americans still aren’t listening to their doctors about the dangers of salt, and as a result our population is suffering from hypertension.
Physicians and nutritionists are warning that Americans are consuming too much salt and recommend that even healthy adults cut back to less than about a teaspoon a day to avoid hypertension.
But food researchers say low-salt foods don't sell in supermarkets, and there's no substitute for table salt that's not toxic or that fits consumer tastes.
Guy Johnson of Johnson Nutrition Solutions, a food-consulting group, said that although there are about 20 chemical substances that can replace sugar in the diet, there's none available for salt.
He noted that there are many low-sodium soups on shelves, but even though soups are big sellers in winter, low-salt products account for just $19 million of the $2.9 billion soup market.
"Taste rules," Johnson told members of the Institute of Food Technologists convention in New Orleans.
"The demand for low-sodium food is lackluster."
Americans consume an average of 3,375 milligrams of salt a day, which is much higher than the 2,300 milligrams (about one teaspoon) recommended by the federal government.
Michael Jacobson, executive director of the group, said medical studies have repeatedly shown for the past 25 years that salt content in food is too high.
For example, among American cheeses, the CSPI found that salt content ranges from 1,285 milligrams per 100 grams of Kraft American Singles, to 1,737 milligrams per 100 grams of Giant Deluxe American Singles.
Among hams, the group found that there are 865 milligrams of salt in each 100 grams of Healthy Choice Honey Ham, but 1,490 milligrams of salt in each 100 grams of Tyson 97 percent Fat Free Honey Ham.
The Institute of Medicine, an organization that is part of the National Academy of Sciences, recently recommended that Americans and Canadians reduce salt consumption to 1,500 milligrams a day.
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