WHO has issued new standards for the consumption of sodium i.e. salt throughout the country. The organization has recommended that every person should consume only 5 grams of salt per day.
Eating without salt seems absolutely tasteless. There is no fork in it. But have you ever thought about what happens due to excessive intake of salt? A recent WHO study said that eating excess salt killed 3 million people every year. Now to reduce this number, the organization has asked people to consume only 5 grams of salt a day.
With this, new standards have been prepared for sodium levels in more than 60 food categories to improve the food environment and save lives. It is believed that this benchmark will reduce salt consumption by 30 percent by 2025.
According to WHO, we are all eating twice as much salt as needed. According to experts, the balance of sodium and potassium is necessary in our body. Consuming more sodium with less potassium can harm health. Excess of salt in food increases the risk of blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, while it also makes bones weak.
People eat 9-12 grams of salt every day
Salt intake has been considered essential to build a healthy plasma and improve nerve health. It is found more in food categories like processed food, packaged food, dairy and meat. However, it also has a lot in spices and salty.
According to WHO data, most people consume an average of 9-12 grams of salt every day. The organization has estimated that 2.5 million deaths globally can be prevented if salt consumption is reduced to disciplined levels.
The real reason behind the new benchmark
According to the new guidelines of the organization, the standards set for sodium levels in more than 60 food categories will help countries reduce salt intake and save people’s lives. The organization’s idea is to reduce sodium intake in places where processed food items are more consumed. The initiative has been supported by the American Consumer Advocacy Group and the Science Center in the Public Interest.
Advantages and side effects of salt-
We all know that salt is an essential part of our daily diet. Without it, every meal is incomplete. Its intake helps the body to function. This not only keeps the body hydrated, but also helps the thyroid to function properly.
Not only this, salt intake is very beneficial for people who have low BP complaints. It improves the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. But if it is taken excessively, then knowingly and unknowingly it causes great harm to health. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high BP and kidney disease manifold.
Misconception about salt-
The organization has also clarified some myths and misconceptions about the lack of salt. Many believe that salt should be eaten more after sweating. While this is wrong. Only hydration is needed after sweating. Eating too much salt can increase blood pressure at any age.
Food categories and sodium intake
The WHO sodium benchmark is published on May 5 about the lack of sodium content in individually packaged and processed food items such as packaged bread, salted snacks, meat products, and cheese.
According to the guidelines, 100 grams of potato chips should contain at most 100 grams of sodium. While it is good to have up to 120 grams in pie and pastry and up to 30 mg of sodium in processed meat.
