Top 5 Saltiest Foods In The American Diet, According To The CDC
A majority of us are well aware that the American diet includes too much sodium, but, what foods are the most common sources of salt? Here’s the top five culprits, according to a new report: bread, pizza, sandwiches, cold cuts and cured meats, and soup.
Read: Low-Sodium Diet: 4 Easy Ways To Cut Back On Salt Intake And Add Flavor To Your Food
The report, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), looked at Americans' salt intake in 2013-2014 and found 70 percent of sodium consumed by people in the United States came from 25 food categories. This data provides the most up-to-date information on sources of U.S. sodium intake.
Despite common belief, most of the salt Americans consume comes from prepackaged and restaurant foods, not from the salt shaker. Other common salty foods cited by the CDC include burritos and tacos, salted snacks, chicken, cheese, eggs, and omelets.
Although sodium is essential for bodily functions, too much can put you at risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Zerleen Quader, the study’s lead researcher, offered suggestions for cutting back on salt.
“When cooking at home, use fresh herbs and other substitutes for salt. When eating out, you can ask for meals with lower salt,” said Quader, according to Health Day.
Other sodium reduction tips, from the American Heart Association, include: choose canned vegetables labeled “no salt added” and frozen vegetables without salty sauces, taste your food before adding salt, and drain and rinse canned beans and vegetables.
See also: Sodium Intake And Thirst: Salty Foods May Not Lead To More Drinking
Too Much Salt: How A Diet Too High In Sodium Can Affect Your Heart, Brain, And Even Bone Health