Adults on an average, are consuming about one and a half teaspoons of salt each day, despite links between high sodium consumption and elevated blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease. Salt – a dietary No-NO.

Federal departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services recommended that adults cut back on salt, to less than 2,300 milligrams or about a teaspoon a day.

Table salt only adds up to on average about 6 percent of the total daily sodium tab, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sodium is present in more foods and at far higher levels than many people realize.

Recommended was to use a good balance of citrus fruits and vinegars to add flavor, ingredients found in a variety of cultures and cuisines, these ingredients add flavor without adding sodium. Smoked or pickled foods are often high in sodium, as are many sports or energy drinks. Fresh foods have less sodium than processed foods. Frozen vegetables are usually low in sodium unless they have an added sauce.

Salt has been on the radar screen of health and medical groups for 40 years due to worries over its links to high blood pressure. Yet the public has not heeded the message. Using sea salt as a substitute for regular table salt doesn’t reduce the risk.

Reference: http://heraldnet.com/article/20110207/NEWS01/702079931