EAT HEALTHY, LIVE HEALTHY
Weetabix-Low in sugar and salt
Too much of anything is poison and that also applies to consuming too much sugar and salt. High sugar and salt intake is known to increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
When we talk of carbohydrates, most of us think of chapatis, rice, potatoes, ugali, bread and pasta. Well, sugar is also a type of carbohydrate which occurs naturally in a variety of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. They can also be produced commercially and added to foods to increase sweetness.
Salt on the other hand is an essential input to our bodily function but sometimes we tend to consume it in high quantities. Salt is composed of sodium and chloride and it’s the sodium that can be harmful to our health. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure.
Apart from high blood pressure, here are more negative side effects of too much salt intake
· Kidney disease-kidneys regulate the body’s sodium by getting rid of any excess but if there is too much sodium in the blood stream, the kidneys will not keep up.
· Heart failure due to high blood pressure.
· Oedema (fluid retention)
· Osteoporosis
· Stroke due to high blood pressure
One of the best ways to avoid excess sugar or salt is to eat a diet made up of fresh foods such as fruits vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, meat, fish and poultry as these are naturally low in both.
Here are other useful tips:
1. Go for healthier cereals such as Weetabix which is low in sugar and made from whole grain.
2. Instead of drinking fruit juice, eat a fresh fruit which is also filled with lots of fiber. If you cannot give up on juice, make 100% fruit juice that is not sweetened.
3. Reduce your sugar intake gradually till you taste buds adjust and if you have to sweeten anything use honey.
4. Eat more of fresh foods and prepare them yourself to control your salt intake.
5. Use more healthy herbs and spices for cooking and use them along with lemon juice or vinegar.
6. Read food labels. Go for low salt and sugar food alternatives such as Weetabix.
7. Watch out for condiments such as ketchup, soy sauce, salad dressing etc they contain sodium.
Although sugar and salt in excess have negative effect on your body, you don’t need to get rid of them from your diet completely but moderation is key. Start each day with a bowl of Weetabix which as mentioned above is low in salt and sugar and you will be well on your to healthy living!
