‘Cut Salt Intake to Slash Heart Disease Risk’, WHO Warns

By Emmanuel Kwada

‎In a stark new advisory, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging people worldwide to drastically reduce salt consumption, highlighting its link to heart disease and premature death. The WHO warns that most salt intake comes from processed foods, with many unaware of the hidden sodium in everyday items like snacks, sauces, and ready meals.

‎

‎According to the WHO, excessive salt consumption significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, which remain leading causes of death globally. The organization recommends limiting salt intake to under 5 grams per day—roughly one teaspoon—to protect heart health.

‎”Most of the salt we eat is hidden in processed foods,” the WHO emphasized, pointing to items like chips, canned soups, and fast food as major culprits.

The agency calls for stronger food labeling and industry reforms to lower sodium content, alongside public awareness campaigns to encourage healthier eating habits.