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(1) American Heart Association

SIDEBAR

SODIUM SCAVENGER HUNT -- TIPS FOR SHAKING THE SALT HABIT

To help consumers avoid suspect salt-laden foods while shopping, Foster Farms expert nutritionist sleuths Nancy Bennett MS, RD, CDE and Manuel Villacorta, MS, RD took a trip the supermarket to uncover hidden sources of salt by aisle. Here is just a taste of what they found:

Surprising Sources of Salt

-- Products marked "natural" -- "Enhanced" fresh chicken (that has been injected with saltwater) and sold as "natural" can contain more sodium per ounce than fast food French fries -- one "enhanced" chicken breast could contain more total sodium than a large order of fries! Compare labels to assure you are paying for fresh chicken and not added salt!

-- Beware of breakfast culprits -- A plain bagel has 600-700 milligrams of sodium -- almost one-third the RDA of sodium. Pancake mix has nearly 25% of the RDA of sodium in one 1/2 c serving and even some breakfast cereals add up.

-- Dessert -- One serving of chocolate pudding has more than 20% of the RDA of sodium for adults: as much as a dill pickle!

-- Milk -- While milk has approximately 150 mg of salt, malted milk made with products like Ovaltine has nearly 300 mg per serving, one quarter of the RDA of sodium for children.

-- Use your noodle -- Many fresh pastas, such as pre-made ravioli and tortellini, may have up to 500 milligrams sodium per serving -- and that's before adding sauce and cheese.

Tips for Shaking the Salt Habit:

-- Eat fresh as much as possible, especially when it comes to vegetables. Avoid dried and processed meats.

-- Read the label -- Be sure to check the label. To assure t
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