Sodium Labeling Lingo
Salt is made up of two minerals: sodium and chloride.
One teaspoon of salt has 2000 milligrams (mg) of sodium.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2400 milligrams (1 tsp.) of sodium daily.
Sodium is a mineral which plays an important role in the body's fluid retention and may increase blood pressureLook at the Nutrition Facts Label:
Sodium Free - contains 5 mg or less of sodium per serving.
Very Low Sodium - contains 35 mg or less of sodium per serving.
Low Sodium - contains 140 mg or less per serving.
Reduced Sodium - at least 25% less sodium than the original version of the product.
No Added Salt or Unsalted - no salt is added during processing, but this does not guarantee the product is sodium free Shopping Tips to Limit Your Sodium Intake
Choose snacks that are unsalted (rice cakes, crackers with unsalted tops, breadsticks, unsalted pretzels, unsalted nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Read the labels on canned and frozen fruits or vegetables.
Choose fresh meats, poultry, and fish. These are naturally low in sodium. Avoid marinated or processed meats, poultry, and fish.
Use plenty of herbs and spices. Fresh or dried herbs add flavor without adding sodium. Avoid garlic salt or celery saltUse This Shopping Checklist as a Guide
Low Sodium Snacks (rice cakes, unsalted crackers, breadsticks, unsalted nuts, taco shells, unsalted popcorn, fruits and vegetables).
Fruits (all fresh fruits, canned fruits, fruit juices except tomato juice and V-8).
Vegetables (all fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables without salt, canned vegetables with no salt added).
Fresh Meats (all fresh meats and poultry with no additives or marinades).
Seafood (all fresh fish with no additives or marinades).
Fresh or Dried Herbs and Spices (garlic, basil, oregano, thymeALWAYS READ THE NUTRITION FACTS ON EACH PRODUCT LABEL
