Salt Content in Food as Shown in Nutritional Facts Label
One of the essential factors to consider when choosing and designing a healthy diet plan is the amount of sodium or salt present in the food. The human body needs salt to function correctly, but excessive consumption can lead to certain health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, it's crucial to check the salt content of the food you're buying before making a purchase.
What is Sodium and Why is it Important?
Sodium is a mineral that plays a significant role in the human body's physiological functions. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contraction, and nerve signals. Our body needs sodium, but the recommended daily intake of sodium should not exceed 2,300 milligrams or one teaspoon of salt. Excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure and several other health problems.
How to Read the Salt Content in Nutritional Label?
The most effortless way to find out the salt content of any food is to read the nutritional facts label. The sodium value is present on the label, often written as "Sodium" or "Na." It's usually expressed in milligrams, and the standard nutritional facts label displays the value per serving size.
Interpreting Percent Daily Value for Sodium
Another valuable piece of information is the percent daily value (% DV) for sodium, which is also present on the nutritional label. The % DV indicates how much of the daily recommended intake of 2,300 milligrams of sodium a particular food item provides. The generally accepted guideline is that a % DV of 5% or less is low, while 20% or more is high.
High Salt Foods to Avoid
It's essential to avoid or limit the intake of foods that are high in salt or sodium. Processed foods, canned soups, sauces, and meat products are high in sodium. Snacks like chips, pretzels, and crackers are also high in salt content. It's best to read the nutritional facts label when choosing these types of food items.
Conclusion
Considering the salt content of the food you eat is as important as paying attention to the necessary nutrients it provides. Excessive sodium intake can lead to several health complications, and it's best to check the nutritional facts label before buying or consuming any food product. By doing so, you can ensure that you make informed choices and maintain a healthy balance in your diet plan.