DON’T PASS THE SALT

A high-salt diet is not only bad for your blood pressure, but also for your immune system, researchers from the University of Bonn have found. The new study showed that human volunteers who consumed an additional six grams of salt per day showed a weakened immune system. This amount corresponds to the salt content of two fast food meals that is two burgers and two portions of fries. The excessive salt intake resulted in increased glucocorticoid levels which inhibits the immune system. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no more than five grams of salt a day for an adult, which corresponds to around one level teaspoon. However figures from the Robert Koch Institute suggest that on average, men consume 10 grams and women more than eight grams a day.

Five grams of salt is contained in:

• 2 slices of bread (0.8g);

• 2 slices ham (2.2g);

• 2 slices cheese (0.98); and

• 1 croissant (1.1).