New surveys reveal more salt education needed
New research published by CASH (Consensus Action on Salt and Health) has revealed that whilst 90% of people know that eating too much salt is bad for them, very few actually know why it is bad for their health. For example, only 34% were aware it could lead to a stroke, 61% knew it would lead to heart disease. Even fewer people linked it to conditions such as osteoporosis (4%), stomach cancer (6%), obesity (13%) and kidney stones and kidney disease (27%). The study also found young adults were less likely to be aware of the dangers of salt on their health. Only 18% of 16-24 year olds were aware salt is linked to strokes. One reason for such lack of awareness may be down to young people feeling issues surrounding blood pressure and heart disease are more likely to affect those in older age groups, when in fact blood pressure begins to rise from childhood. Mike Rich, Executive Director of UK charity the Blood Pressure Association, said: "Reducing your salt intake is one of the most significant ways in which you can lower your blood pressure, and so reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. We are convinced that if people had more knowledge of the health problems that they are putting themselves at risk of, by eating too much salt, this would have a real impact on their behaviour. As one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, cutting salt intake would seriously benefit the nation's health." This echoes a recent study by HealthFocus International, which found that consumers in both the UK and USA are confused about how much sodium they should be consuming. In the US, 79% of respondents did not know what their daily recommended intake was (1500-2400mg), and in the UK, 82% did not know that adults were not advised to exceed 6g of salt a day (roughly 2000mg of sodium). This research underlines the importance of organizations such as CASH as well as brands like LoSalt to educate consumer on how much salt they should be consuming. This involves highlighting not only the dangers of excess sodium consumption but also showing the impact and potential diseases resulting from too much sodium in their diet. For more information, you can visit the CASH website at www.actiononsalt.org.uk Written: 12th October 2010
