Consume less salt to avoid gaining weight

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 19:43
A study done by researchers at St. George’s, University of London, found a relation between salt intake in children and weight gain.

The study found that children who eat salty foods tend to drink more sweet drinks to relieve their thirst, which is stronger when eating salty foods. Most of the drinks contain a lot of sugar, which also means a lot of calories.

According to the researchers, decreasing the consumption of salt by half in children from ages 4 to 18 can result in decreasing the intake of sweet drinks by two per week, the equivalent of 250 calories (one pound of body fat equals 3,500 calories).

The study was held among 2,000 people who had to record everything they ate and drank in a diary. Children with low-in-salt diets drank less sweet drinks. The researchers saw that decreasing salt intake by 1 gram could result in a decrease of 27 grams of fluid intake.

People don’t notice a change in taste when they cut salt consumption by 10% or 20%. It’s easy to lower the whole family’s salt intake…and it’s healthier for adults and children!

Here are a few tips

  • Reduce salt when you cook, or don’t use it at all.
  • Don’t put salt on the table.
  • Avoid processed foods: they contain high amounts of salt.
  • Check labels when grocery shopping and try to buy food with low quantities of salt.
  • Always have fresh water handy for children to drink.
  • Buy 100% fruit juices instead of cocktails or soft drinks.