Be Salt-Wise for a Healthy Heart (From Dudley News)

Be Salt-Wise for a Healthy Heart

7:00am Saturday 6th February 2010

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How much salt do you eat each day? Not sure? National Salt Awareness Week is the perfect time to start thinking about how that careless sprinkle can affect your heart. Worryingly an estimated 26 million adults in the UK eat too much salt, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Although it’s recommended that we don’t exceed 6 grams of salt each day, the average person in the UK is eating 8.6 grams. Be salt-wise and make small changes to your eating habits to keep your blood pressure in check.

· Breakfast cereals can contain hidden salt, so compare labels and choose the one with the lowest salt (0.3g or less per 100g) or go for porridge or home-made muesli.

· Watch out for olives, soy sauce, pickles and mayonnaise as these can be high in salt.

· Shop bought foods such as sauces and ready meals are often full of salt, use your cooking skills and make your own using plenty of herbs and spices instead of salt.

· Snacks such as crisps and crackers can spell doom for your blood pressure – swap them for fruit or vegetables such as carrot or pepper sticks for a heart-healthy vitamin boost.

· Stock cubes and gravy can be a troublesome source of salt, make your own stock or look for reduced-salt versions.

· Swap salty sandwich fillings such as ham and cheese for chicken or egg instead.

Watching the salt that you eat along with daily exercise and not smoking will help keep your blood pressure and your heart healthy.

For more information and advice about healthy living, contact Heart Research UK on 0113 297 6206 or email lifestyle@heartresearch.org.uk PIONEERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HEART DISEASE

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