March 14-20 marks Salt Awareness Week, and the City of Ekurhuleni encouraged residents to consume less salt or not add salt at all to their food during this period.
This year, Salt Awareness Week is celebrated under the theme Shake the Habit.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the recommended daily salt intake limit is less than 5g per day for adults.
Manager for non-communicable diseases in the City Angie Ndhambi explained: “The recommendation by WHO means having just under a teaspoon of salt per day to help reduce one’s blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and coronary heart attack.”
Ndhambi stated the sodium in salt can build up in one’s body and increase damage to the kidneys.
“Small behavioural changes, such as removing the salt shaker from the table, are some of the things one can do to lessen salt intake,” she said.
Below are salt-reduction recommendations by WHO:
• Adults must consume less than 5g (just under a teaspoon) of salt per day.
• Adjust salt downwards as much as possible.
• Avoid adding salt during the preparation of food.
• Remove the salt shaker from the table as and when you remember.
• Limit the consumption of salty snacks.
Also Read: Why too much salt is bad for kids
Also Read: Top toddler health issues
