Can you say "Please don't pass the salt"

As we leave February, day of National Heart Month, and we enter March, National Nutrition Month, I thought it fitting to say a few words about salt.

I chose salt because too much salt is associated with high blood pressure leading to heart disease and part of a healthy meal is choosing foods lower in sodium (salt).  

Here are some facts that may surprise you: 

• Most Americans eat double the amount of recommended salt (sodium)
• The average daily sodium intake for Americans age 2 years and older is more than 3,400 mg.*
• Our body needs sodium (salt) to function properly so I am not saying you don't need some salt in your diet.  
• Research shows a strong dose-dependent relationship between consuming too much salt and raised levels of blood pressure—as sodium intake increases, so does blood pressure for most people*

Check out our nutrient tool and see exactly how much sodium you and your child actually need.

Some tips from our dietitian: Enjoy Your Food with Less Salt and Sugar

The saltiest foods come from:

• breads and rolls
• cold cuts and cured meat
• pizza
• poultry
• soup
• sandwiches

I found this great infographic developed by the American Heart Association and like I always say, a picture is worth a thousand words!