India's Salt Economy
Too Much Salt: Health Costs
Why Indians eat much more salt than the WHO recommends, the link to high blood pressure, and efforts to cut salt in processed foods.
Indians eat too much salt.
Intake
Studies find average intake well above the WHO recommendation of under 5 g a day.
Health effects
High salt raises blood pressure, a major cause of heart attacks and strokes.
Sources
- Cooking at home.
- Pickles, papads and snacks.
- Processed and restaurant food.
Policies
- FSSAI’s “Eat Right India” campaign encourages less salt.
- Food makers are urged to reduce sodium.
Low-sodium salt
Salt substitutes with potassium can lower blood pressure.
Economics
Treating heart disease costs far more than prevention.
The pickle habit
A family's daily pickle and papad adds significant salt beyond cooking.
Thinking salt is only good for you because of iodine
Too much raises blood pressure.
Key takeaways
- Indians eat more salt than recommended.
- High salt raises blood pressure.
- Pickles and processed foods add salt.
- Low-sodium substitutes help.
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