William Atkins
Sunday, 26 July 2009 18:32
Science -
Health
Page 1 of 2
The nonprofit group World Action on Salt and Health performed a study of salt in breakfast cereal and fast foods, and found a big difference in the amount of salt in the same product. It just depends on which country you live.
The survey was conducted on many different types of globally available foods made by Burger King, Subway, Kellogg’s, McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), and others.
Members of the group
World Action on Salt and Health (WASH) concentrated on salt, obviously, since its name implies they really care about salt in people’s diet.
And, they should care (and you should, too) because too much salt in a diet can cause high blood pressure, which can then lead to heart problems (cardiovascular disease).
In fact, the organization's website states,
"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the world and raised blood pressure from a systolic above 115 mmHg is one of the most important direct causes, accounting for more than 60% of all strokes and approximately 50% of all heart disease."
The website of WASH, which is headquartered in London, England, states,
“World Action on Salt and Health (WASH) was established in 2005 and is a global group with the mission to improve the health of populations throughout the world by achieving a gradual reduction in salt intake. WASH will encourage multi-national food companies to reduce salt in their products and will work with Governments in different countries highlighting the need for a population salt reduction strategy. The overall aim is to bring about a reduction in salt intake throughout the world by reducing the amount of salt in processed foods as well as salt added to cooking, and at the table.”
In the salt study, the group surveyed over 260 products, such as onion rings, hamburgers, pizza, and breakfast cereal, made by these large international food companies.
Page two contains examples of salt content that varies in the same food product, and where you can go for more information on the study.
