Alarmingly high levels of salt in salads according to CASH
Dear ProCor community,
New research by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) found that some salads found in supermarkets, cafes, and fast food chains in the UK contain alarmingly high amounts of salt. Some popular salads contain as much as 3.51 grams of salt per portion (half of the daily recommended consumption of 6 grams). Of the 270 salads and pasta bowls analyzed, one in ten contained more salt than a MacDonald's Big Mac.
CASH did find low-salt options for salad, however only 22% of those branded as healthy would receive a healthy green traffic light label. However, the study did find some improvement in salt reduction. Compared to 2005, the average amount of salt in salads found at supermarkets is 23% lower.
"Many women choose salad as a healthy and convenient lunch, particularly when watching their waistline" says Katharine Jenner, CASH Campaign Manager. "Rather than feeling healthy however, they often feel bloated and sluggish, symptoms of 'water retention', which can be caused by the hidden salt in these salads. In the long term the health problems are more serious as salt intake is linked to osteoporosis and high blood pressure. Given the healthy image of salads it's surprising to find that they contain such high levels of unnecessary salt."
When try to choose a low-salt salad, CASH offers some advice. Try to avoid salads with bacon and/or cheese. Try substitutions of chicken or tuna, which adds high protein and lower calories to your salad. An all-vegetable salad is also a great selection. Use only a small portion of the dressing included in your salad. Unprocessed ingredients of olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and herbs will add a flavorful taste to the salad. Importantly, reading the food label will help you measure your caloric count consumption.
For more information/results from the study, please visit: http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/media/press_releases/salad_2010/salad_survey_2010.html
Thank you,
Benn.
New research by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) found that some salads found in supermarkets, cafes, and fast food chains in the UK contain alarmingly high amounts of salt. Some popular salads contain as much as 3.51 grams of salt per portion (half of the daily recommended consumption of 6 grams). Of the 270 salads and pasta bowls analyzed, one in ten contained more salt than a MacDonald's Big Mac.
CASH did find low-salt options for salad, however only 22% of those branded as healthy would receive a healthy green traffic light label. However, the study did find some improvement in salt reduction. Compared to 2005, the average amount of salt in salads found at supermarkets is 23% lower.
"Many women choose salad as a healthy and convenient lunch, particularly when watching their waistline" says Katharine Jenner, CASH Campaign Manager. "Rather than feeling healthy however, they often feel bloated and sluggish, symptoms of 'water retention', which can be caused by the hidden salt in these salads. In the long term the health problems are more serious as salt intake is linked to osteoporosis and high blood pressure. Given the healthy image of salads it's surprising to find that they contain such high levels of unnecessary salt."
When try to choose a low-salt salad, CASH offers some advice. Try to avoid salads with bacon and/or cheese. Try substitutions of chicken or tuna, which adds high protein and lower calories to your salad. An all-vegetable salad is also a great selection. Use only a small portion of the dressing included in your salad. Unprocessed ingredients of olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and herbs will add a flavorful taste to the salad. Importantly, reading the food label will help you measure your caloric count consumption.
For more information/results from the study, please visit: http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/media/press_releases/salad_2010/salad_survey_2010.html
Thank you,
Benn.
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