‘High salt levels in cheese fuelling an epidemic of high blood pressure’

By: Admin | | Published: November 30, 2012 9:29 pm

A group that works towards greater awareness of the effects of salt on health claims that high salt levels in cheese may be fuelling an epidemic of high blood pressure (BP) linked to strokes, heart attacks and thousands of premature deaths. Also Read - Commonly used blood pressure medications safe for COVID-19 patients

Cheese can contain as much salt as junk food products, says Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH). A bit of cheddar was found to have a greater amount of salt than a bag of crisps while feta, halloumi and other popular types contain higher levels of salt than seawater. Also Read - Rajinikanth being treated for severe hypertension: Check your blood pressure regularly

CASH chairman Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Wolfson Institute here, said: ‘We urge the government to stop dragging its heels and set new, lower, targets for cheese manufacturers to work towards. Even small reductions will have large health benefits.’ Also Read - Hypertension: Regulate blood pressure with these 5 yoga poses

‘For every one gram reduction in population salt intake, we can prevent 12,000 heart attacks, stroke and heart failure, half of which would have been fatal,’ McGregor added, the Daily Mail reports.

CASH is urging families to cut down on cheese intake, insisting on new guidelines for manufacturers to ensure lower levels of salt.

Cheese, which also usually carries high levels of saturated fat, is the third-biggest contributor of salt to the national diet, after bread and bacon. Together, these alone are responsible for the recommended daily intake of six grams – about a teaspoon – being exceeded by over a third. The average intake is 8.1g a day. Doctors say salt is a major factor in high blood pressure.

A survey of hundreds of supermarket products by CASH found that the saltiest option on the high street was Roquefort, with one gram in a typical portion of 30g. Iceland Cheese Food Slices carry more salt in one 20g portion – 0.56g – than in a packet of crisps.

However, CASH did find that it is possible for shoppers to switch to relatively low-salt or even salt-free cheese for a healthier option.

Source: IANS

Published : November 30, 2012 9:29 pm

Read Disclaimer

Bihar polio-free for over two years

Stem cells from blood to treat diseases?

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Bihar polio-free for over two years

Stem cells from blood to treat diseases?

Commonly used blood pressure medications safe for COVID-19 patients

Rajinikanth being treated for severe hypertension: Check your blood pressure regularly

Low-fat cheeses that may actually contribute to weight loss

Hypertension: Regulate blood pressure with these 5 yoga poses

Hypertension may speed cognitive decline at any age; Here’s how you can control high blood pressure

About The health Site

Useful Links