How much salt do you consume? The number's a few clicks away
Sometimes, when it comes to convincing Canadians to reduce their salt intake, scare tactics work.
A group of researchers has created an online tool to help Canadians understand how much sodium they consume on an average day.
It asks users a series of questions, such as how often they eat bread, how frequently they eat out and how often they gulp down soup.
It then generates a total intake, as well as a breakdown of where the sodium comes from.
The calculator, found here, is bound to surprise users. And that’s exactly the point.
The researchers, from the University of Toronto, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, note that many Canadians don’t realize they consume high levels of sodium everyday.
And long-term, high sodium sodium intake can result in high blood pressure–which in turn can lead to heart disease and stroke.
So, does staff here at Canadian Grocer practice what we preach?
Nope. Apparently, we're a salty bunch.
After using the calculator, one staff member discovered they consumed 347 per cent more sodium than recommended.
Another learned their intake was 173 per cent higher than it should be. The main culprit? Eating at restaurants.
Try it out yourself, or recommend it for consumers. It’s sure to have people buzzing.