Too much salt is not the spice of a healthy life

Almost 70% of adult Americans have a daily consumption of more than double the amount of sodium recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Consuming too much sodium can increase the risk for high blood pressure, known as hypertension, and the main source of sodium in food is salt. In fact, uniodized salt is 40 percent sodium by weight.

Packaged and processed foods, as well as many restaurant foods, are the main sources of sodium consumed by Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are simple steps that can be taken to help to reduce sodium intake. When eating out, choose foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and request that your food be prepared without salt. In addition, be sure to read the nutrition labels on grocery items before purchasing them.