US FDA vs. Salt Industry: Fight against Heart Diseases

US FDA vs. Salt Industry: Fight against Heart Diseases

Salt has provided us with many benefits and uses, but just lately this precious mineral was greatly challenged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after a long day hearing last November 10, 2011, wherein strategies were discussed on how to help Americans cut the salt from their diets. World Health Organization and the American Heart Association are in full support ever since to minimize and eventually get salt out of their diets.

This advice stems from a medical wisdom stating that a diet high in salt will most likely result to high blood pressure which increases risk of heart attacks, other cardiovascular problems and strokes. Based on research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75 percent of Americans include salt with their diet, thus FDA was moved to encourage the food industry to reduce the amount of salt in all processed food, restaurants and other food chains.

On the other hand, some scientists and physicians are in contrast saying that a high-sodium diet resulting to heart disease and death is insubstantial. Dr. Seides, an Associate Director of Cardiology at the Washington Hospital said that there is little possibility that salt intake can actually increase heart disease risk. Likewise the Salt Institute, an industry group representing salt manufacturers has exerted efforts to save their seasoning through a Facebook page and two minute video uploaded with YouTube encouraging salt lovers to send comments and support to the FDA hearing, warning them to keep their hands off salt. Mortin Satin also known as the “Salt Guru” also said that there are recent studies proving that low-sodium intake can do more harm than good.

Posted by George Daniels on Friday November 11 2011, 3:33 AM EST. Ref: US FDA et al. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0