New US diet guidelines call for less salt

The US government on Monday released new dietary guidelines urging all Americans to cut their daily salt intake by one-third and those over 50 to make more drastic reductions.

"The 2010 Dietary Guidelines are being released at a time when the majority of adults and one in three children is overweight or obese," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.

"This is a crisis that we can no longer ignore," he added.

The guidelines, which are updated and published every five years, also urge Americans to eat less calories and exercise more.

"The bottom line is that most Americans need to trim our waistlines to reduce the risk of developing diet-related chronic disease," Vilsack said.

The new guidelines recommend reducing daily salt intake to less than 2,300 milligrams, or one teaspoon, and urge further reductions to 1,500 milligrams for people 51 and over, African Americans and those with hypertension, all of whom now account for around half of the population.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that Americans currently eat 3,466 milligrams, or about teaspoon and a half of sodium, which has been linked to hypertension and other cardiovascular disease.

Most of that sodium comes from processed foods, not the salt shaker, and the government has urged the food industry to cut back as well.

The guidelines also suggest that consumers cut back on fats, added sugars and refined grains while eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry and seafood.

They also suggest eating more reasonable portions and filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables, as well as drinking more water and less soft drinks.

First Lady Michelle Obama has championed better nutrition through her "Let's Move" campaign to combat obesity by improving school meals, offering kids more physical activity and raising awareness of healthy habits.

Earlier this month she signed a partnership with retail giant Wal-Mart to market healthier food with less fat, salt and sugar.

The guidelines can be found online at www.dietaryguidelines.gov

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