Sodium hiding in foods that may not taste salty

Sodium hiding in foods that may not taste salty

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Story Published: Dec 4, 2008 at 9:09 AM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 4, 2008 at 9:11 AM PDT

By Herb Weisbaum

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I bet you already know this -- most us us get way too much sodium in our diets. That can increase your risk for high blood pressure, kidney stones, osteoporosis, even asthma.

Salty snack foods are only part of the problem. Jamie Hirsh at Consumer Reports says many processed foods that don't taste salty are actually high in sodium.

"Raisin bran cereals of all different brands, Jell-O instant pudding, Twizzlers black licorice, and pancake mix, specifically, Aunt Jamima Original Pancake Mix," she said.

Bagels don't seem salty, but a Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain White Bagel has 440mg of sodium. How much is that?

"Almost 3 times as much as in a serving of potato chips," Hirsh says.

Prego's Heart Smart Traditional Italian Sauce boasts an American Heart Association logo on the label because of its lower fat and cholesterol content. It's sodium content is 430 mg per half cup.

The message here is clear: If you want to reduce your sodium intake you need to check labels and look for lower-sodium alternatives.

For More Information:

Shaking Salt from Your Food

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