Reducing the amount of salt in our diets could save nearly 20,000 lives in the UK every y

Reducing the amount of salt in our diets could save nearly 20,000 lives in the UK every year, according to researchers.

The recommended maximum daily intake for adults is 6g in the UK, although just month the World Health Organization (WHO) revised this down to 5g. Yet according to figures from the British Heat Foundation, men consume around 9.7g a day, while women have 7.7 g.

Not researchers at three universities, including Harvard Medical School, have revealed the dramatic effect reducing salt could have on death rates by using computer models. They estimated that reducing salt intake to 6g would save 500,000 to 850,000 lives in the US over the next decade.

British doctor Ian Campbell, medical director of charity Weight Concern, told Mail Online: Salt is a big problem in the UK, too. It’s a silent killer. Over time consuming too much of it increases the risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks. About 80 percent of our salt intake comes from processed foods, so it can be difficult to avoid.

Many people are unaware of where salt is hidden, such as bread, soups, ready meals, and even breakfast cereals (麦片). The government approach has been to encourage food companies to cut the amount of salt in their products. There has been a reduction but it is taking too long. The Food Standards Agency should consider setting compulsory maximum levels for salt.

Victoria Taylor, Senior Dietitian at the British Heat Foundation, added: Eating too much salt may raise your blood pressure and having high blood pressure increases your risk of developing heart disease.

The government has worked with the food industry to reduce the amount of salt in our food and make labels clearer. But there is still work to be down by everyone because the majority of Brits are still consuming more salt than they would be.

32.  Which of the following in the table reaches the daily maximum amount of salt recommended by the WHO?

A. A large chips and a McDonald’s Big Mac.

B. A spicy crayfish and a large chips.

C. An original chicken and a spicy crayfish.

D. A McDonald’s Big Mac and an original chicken.

33.  According to the passage, when people eat processed food they ________.

A. needn’t add salt                                         B. should add a little salt

C. may ruin their health                                                                    D. can have risk of heart attacks

34.                                                                       To solve the problem of eating too much salt, Ian Campbell advises ________.

35.                                                                       A. having healthier breakfast                     B. punishing the illegal food companies

C. reducing the amount of processed food    D. making laws about maximum levels for salt

36.  The last paragraph emphasizes the importance of ________.

A. making food tables clearer                        B. monitoring the food industry

C. promoting the awareness of salt content   D. strengthening the government’s functions

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