The Sneaky Salty Foods Driving Up Your Risk of Heart Disease
The American Heart Association (AHA) has identified some sneaky sodium-laden foods that could increase an individual’s risk for heart disease and stroke.
Excess salt intake is mostly due to processed and restaurant foods, which account for about 75% of our salt consumption. In an effort to boost awareness and healthy eating, AHA compiled a list of common foods that consumers may not realize contain high quantities of salt. The top foods that can quickly contribute to a sodium overload include:
- Breads: Although many breads do not taste salty, one piece can have as much as 230 milligrams of sodium.
- Cold Cuts: Deli and pre-packaged meats can contain as much as 1,050 milligrams of sodium, and sodium is added to most cooked meats to prevent spoilage.
- Pizza: One slice of pizza can contain as much as 760 milligrams of sodium; just two slices will reach the recommended daily salt limit.
- Poultry: Sodium levels in chicken vary based on how it’s prepared. Just three ounces of frozen breaded chicken nuggets can have 600 milligrams of sodium, while grilled and skinless preparations may have much less.
- Soup: One cup of canned chicken noodle soup can have up to 940 milligrams of sodium.
According to AHA, excess salt consumption is a major health issue that significantly increases cardiovascular risks. To help consumers find healthy, low sodium foods, AHA recommends looking for the Heart-Check Mark, which indicates that the food or meal has been certified to meet AHA’s nutritional standards.
+ Tune up your nutrition – schedule a nutritional analysis with a registered dietitian!
Source: The Advisory Board Company