A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that packaged foods in grocery stores contain high concentrations of salt, Web MD reported. The study is published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease.
Consuming too much salt or sodium can increase the risk of strokes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines, just 480 milligrams of sodium per serving are permitted for foods such as bread, cold cuts and cheese to use the healthy label claim. And, 600 mg is permitted for meals, such as sandwiches, pizza and pasta dishes.
About 50 to 70 percent of sandwiches, soups and cold cuts and more than 70 percent of meat mixed dishes, pasta mixed dishes and pizza exceeded the FDA healthy labeling for sodium, according to scientists. However, 10 percent of cheese, savory snacks and breads crossed the healthy label guidelines.
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans advises that people should keep their daily sodium intake under 2,300 milligrams, or about a teaspoon. The recommended daily sodium intake for individuals over the age of 51 and those with health conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, is 1,500 mg or less.
Companies treat processed foods with high concentrations of salt to decrease the rate of spoilage, Tech Times noted.
Linda Schieb, the study researcher, said that the majority of the sodium comes from processed food and restaurant food. Both processed food and restaurant food can be loaded with sodium. Hence, it is of utmost importance that people should read the labels and select lower sodium options. Also, people should make sure to eat vegetables and fruits regularly.