American Heart Association says cut back on salt
March is National Nutrition Month, and the American Heart Association wants you to shake your salt habit.
Sodium consumption may lead to elevated blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for death among women in the U.S., and the second leading risk factor for death for men, after smoking.
How much sodium should you have each day? The American Heart Association recommends a maximum of 1,500 mg of sodium daily, but the average American consumes 3,400 mg.
Sodium is not only found in the salt shaker; the majority of an individual's sodium intake comes from processed and restaurant foods. Cooking at home is a great way to ensure the ingredients that go into recipes are healthy, and allows more control over the amount of sodium.
Take control over the amount of sodium you eat. When shopping for food, compare labels to find low-sodium options. When cooking, experiment with spices, herbs and citrus to enhance the natural flavor of your food.
Cut back on processed foods, and request that your dish be made with less salt when eating out.
The American Heart Association offers a variety of resources for those who want to cut back on salt and monitor blood pressure:
• Visit heart.org/sodium for ingredient swaps to lower your salt intake.
• Visit heart.org/simplecooking for low-salt recipes.
• Look for the American Heart Association's heart checkmark in the grocery store for low-sodium food options.
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke.
To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases - America's No. 1 and No. 5 killers - the American Heart Association funds cutting-edge research, conducts lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocates to protect public health.
To learn more or join the American Heart Association in helping all Americans, call (800) AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.