Watch for hidden salt

Body showing that eating too much salt and salty food can raise the risk of stomach cancer

Too much salt may increase your risk of which type of cancer?

Eating too much salt and salty food may increase your risk of stomach cancer.

How much salt should we use?

Our bodies need some salt to help maintain our balance of water (hydration). Also, table salt is fortified with iodine, which you need for good health.

But much of the salt we eat comes from processed food such as breakfast cereals, soups, sauces, bread, ready-made meals and snack foods (where it can be listed as sodium). We also add salt to our food at the table or when cooking.

Canadians tend to eat more salt than they need. Keep reading for some tips to eat less salt.

Read nutrition labels

Look for foods that have less than 5% DV (daily value) of sodium. You may be surprised to find that even foods like breakfast cereal contain salt. Choose foods that are labelled sodium-free, low-sodium, reduced (or less) sodium or unsalted. For example, buy unsalted nuts and low-sodium crackers.

Limit preserved, packaged and processed foods

Preserved foods like salted fish and meat and pickled foods are very high in salt. Packaged and processed foods may also be high in salt. Eat them in small amounts and only once in a while.

Small bowls of ketchup, mustard and other condiments

Cut down on sauces and condiments

Worcestershire and soy sauce are typically high in salt. Even condiments like ketchup contain a lot of salt.

Remove the salt shaker from the table

If it’s not handy, you’ll be less likely to add extra. Always taste food first before choosing to add salt.

Remove or reduce salt in recipes whenever possible

For plenty of flavour, replace salt with herbs, spices and citrus.

Herbs with food pairings

Basil

Fish, chicken, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, zucchini, stew, dressing, sauces, soups, salads

Dill

Fish, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, whole grains, dressings, sauces

Oregano

Chicken, fish, artichokes, tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, potatoes, dressings, sauces, stews

Parsley

Chicken, fish, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, rice, dressings, sauces, stews

Rosemary

Fish, chicken, carrots, squash, whole grains, soups, salads

Sage

Turkey, carrots, potatoes, squash, whole grains, soups, salads, dressings, sauces

Tarragon

Chicken, fish, green beans, whole grains, soups, salads, dressings, sauces

Thyme

Turkey, lentils, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, cauliflower, green beans, peas, sauces, broths, dressings

Spices with food pairings

Allspice

Squash, beets, cabbage, carrots, sweet potatoes, turnip, apples, whole grains, sweet sauces, soups, bread, desserts

Chili powder

Fish, chicken, tomatoes, corn, green beans, squash, cauliflower, stews, soups, salad dressings

Cinnamon

Chicken, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, whole grains, sweet sauces, coffee, baked goods

Cloves

Carrots, squash, beets, sweet potatoes, apples, whole grains, sweet sauces, tea, curries, baked goods

Cumin

Chicken, fish, lentils, tofu, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, corn, green beans

Ginger

Fish, turkey, carrots, squash, citrus, beets, sweet potatoes, soups, stir-fries, tea, baked goods, cooked fruits

Turmeric

Chicken, fish, tofu, cauliflower, cabbage, potatoes, lentils, whole grains, stews, curries

Garlic

Chicken, fish, tofu, beans, potatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, stews, dressings, sauces

Keep these pairings handy.

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