Table Salt
(Public Health)
This page will answer your questions about table salt.
What is Table Salt?
Table salt is a chemical compound made of sodium and chloride.
- It is used as a food seasoning and preservative.
- The body needs sodium in small amounts, and table salt is the main source of it.
- However, excessive intake of table salt can cause health problems.
- Where is Table Salt Found?
- Salt is added to many foods without being visible, and people often eat it without realizing how much salt they are consuming.
Examples of foods high in salt include:
Processed meats: such as sausages, mortadella
Dried and canned foods: such as instant noodles, pasta and pickles
Sauces: such as tomato paste, soy sauce
- Snacks: such as potato chips, corn chips
- Fast foods: such as pizza, burgers and French fries
Recommended Daily Amount:
Do not exceed 5 grams of salt per day (equivalent to less than 2 grams of sodium per day).
- Keeping salt intake below this amount helps prevent high blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke in adults.
- Health Risks of Excess Salt Intake:
- High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.
- Osteoporosis.
- Healthy Alternatives to Salt:
- To reduce salt in your diet, use flavorful natural alternatives, such as:
Fresh or dried herbs (parsley, basil, thyme).
Garlic.
Chili pepper.
