Salt

Table salt is sodium chloride. Too much salt in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn leads to an increased risk of heart disease and strokes.

Salt is found naturally in many kinds of food, but more is added by food manufacturers - and many people add even more when they are eating. Processed foods often have a high proportion of salt and fat. Salt added to food during processing accounts for about two-thirds of the average salt intake.

On average, men in the UK eat about 10g of salt a day and women about 8g a day. However, food scientists recommend no more than 6g of salt a day in the diet. Reducing the amount of salt in the diet will help to reduce the risk of heart disease, and to a greater extent the risk of suffering a stroke.

There is some evidence that the food industry has persuaded government bodies to set higher targets for the recommended amount of dietary salt in our food than doctors might wish.

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