Salt

Today, salt is added to nearly all processed products. Three-quarters of the salt we eat is already in the food. The rest is what we add to cooking or shake on our suppers! Eating too much salt raises your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a factor in heart disease and stroke. So it’s important not to have too much of it.

If you are aged 7 to 10 years you need less than 5g salt a day (2g sodium)

If you are 11 and over you need less than 6g salt a day (2.4g sodium)

Tips to cut down the salt in your diet:

• Check labels on foods. Go for ones with less added salt.
  
• Add only tiny amounts of salt while cooking.
  
• Don't have salt on the table - taste your meal first before adding salt.
  
• Try different spices and herbs to add flavour to your meals.
  
• Snacks like crisps and nuts are covered in salt - buy unsalted nuts and cut the crisps!
  
• Cut down on other very salty foods like pot noodles, baked beans, pizzas, sausages and burgers.