NL - The Highest Salt Intakes Across the Globe?

Just a few days ago information was released claiming Canada's fast food is some of the saltiest in the world. Comparisons were made of over 2100 fast foods from a variety of chains around the globe. Interesting information, and it certainly made me ponder. If our country has some of the saltiest foods then how does our province compare? After some research I found out it's been pointed out by several groups, including the Heart & Stroke Foundation, that Newfoundland and Labrador have some of the highest sodium intakes across Canada. Yikes! We certainly shouldn't be taking this with a grain of salt. 

Most of us would think that swallowing sea water would certainly be high in sodium, and needless to say taste pretty gross. Did you know that a glass of sea water has the same amount of sodium, 2640mg, as a package of Oriental Mr. Noodles? The latter is apparently a beloved quick, easy dish by many Canadians ( it's claimed we eat over 200 million packs a year). In Newfoundland and Labrador, many of our traditional foods are notoriously high in sodium too. Salt meats like pork and beef, salt fish, French fries with fish etc., etc. Most are aware of the foods notoriously high in sodium, but there are a few that would surprise even the most educated  sodium savvyist. Even seemingly healthy food can be lurking with hidden sodium. In the same study that told us our national intakes were globally the highest, one of the most obvious categories for this exemplification was salads. On average even our salads have 100 or 200 milligrams more sodium than other countries. Others food that have that hidden sodium would be instant oatmeal, breakfast cereals, hot chocolate mixes, and bread. Yes, even bread.  If bread isn't enough of a shocker, meals marketed to little kiddies can be saturated too. Gerber Graduates Lil’ Entrées can serve up the equivalent to two medium McDonald’s fries. Let it be a lesson for all packaged food products to check the Nutrition Facts for sodium.

Yes many foods can contain sodium, but there are ways to cut back too. Look to the label as sodium levels can vary widely across different brands for similar products. Be sure to pay attention to the serving size too. Essentially 5% or less for the Daily Value (%DV) means it's a food low in sodium, 15% or more means that it's high. So what about foods that we know might be a little higher? For breakfast cereals keep it to 200 mg or less per serving. A serving of a premade or frozen dinner, or soup to 600mg or less. Try choosing no added salt or sodium reduced brands for veg juices, soups or canned veggies. Rinsing can foods can also be a way to wash off extra salt. The words pickled, marinated, smoked, barbequed, soy sauce, gravy, bacon, and teriyaki can mean these products contain higher levels of sodium. Reduce sodium wherever you can. Cut salt it in half for recipes and keep the salt shaker in the cupboard instead of next to the stove, or at the table.

As seen in The Telegram April 23, 2012