Ministry: salt consumption high in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Salt consumption is an integral part of the daily diet, but its overuse can have severe consequences for health, increasing the risk of arterial hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and kidney stone diseases. Reducing salt intake to the recommended level—less than 5 grams per day—could prevent up to 1.7 million deaths worldwide each year.

Data indicate that salt consumption is also high in Armenia. The average daily intake has reached 9.8 grams, the Ministry of Health reports.

Approximately one in three adults (35%) regularly adds salt or salty sauces to food before or during meals.

Around 31% of the population frequently consumes salt-rich processed foods.

Men are more likely to add salt to meals and consume processed products high in salt.

According to recommendations by the World Health Organization:

Adults should consume less than 5 grams of salt per day (approximately one teaspoon).

For children, salt intake should be lower, depending on age.

To reduce salt consumption, it is recommended to:

• Try to reduce the amount of salt used during cooking while preserving the natural taste of food.
• Add salt only after tasting the dish.
• Limit consumption of salty snacks and processed foods.
• Pay attention to food labels and choose options with lower sodium content.
• Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables.