| Salt has been used in many countries as a | | | | associated with the risk of diseases. |
| preservative in food. It has been used to preserve | | | | Hypertension is fast becoming a national problem, and |
| certain kinds of fish, such as cod and red herring. | | | | studies have shown that there is a direct link |
| These foods are very delicious and make great | | | | between salt intake and health outcome. People have |
| breakfast foods, but are very salty. Much of the | | | | to be more aware of the dangers of ingesting too |
| sodium Americans consume today comes from | | | | much salt, and take steps to reduce their intake of |
| packaged and processed foods. There Is no doubt | | | | sodium. Especially vigilant should be people who have |
| that salt adds to the flavor of food, but we must | | | | a family history of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. |
| avoid too much salt which leads to diseases, such as | | | | But you may ask, "What can I do to reduce salt and |
| hypertension heart disease and strokes. | | | | retain the flavor in foods?" The answer is to add |
| Recently a panel of the independent agency | | | | lemon juice to rice, salads, vegetables meat and fish. |
| appointed by Congress to research and advise the | | | | Lemon juice adds a zesty taste to food. One can |
| Federal Government on public health issues, | | | | also use herbs for flavoring. Celery, basil, garlic, |
| recommended that the FDA cut back slowly the | | | | oregano, cilantro, and turmeric are popular herbs that |
| levels of salt that manufacturers add to food. This | | | | can be used as salt substitutes. One can also |
| panel also suggested that the FDA set standards for | | | | purchase salt free dried herb blends. When one |
| the amount of salt that manufacturers, restaurants | | | | becomes accustomed to a lower intake of salt in the |
| and food service companies add to their products. | | | | diet, food would become more enjoyable, and would |
| The aim is not to ban salt but bring the amount of | | | | eventually be unable to eat too much salty food. |
| sodium in the average American's diet below levels | | | | |