Your salty meals may be increasing your diabetes risk, according to the latest research.
A study out of Sweden looked at the data collected from a few thousand people. The team of researchers found that people who consumed more salt had an increased risk of having diabetes. For each 2.5 grams of salt, which is roughly about half of a teaspoon of salt, was associated with a 65 percent increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Those with the most salt consumption, around 1.25 teaspoons of salt or more, were up to 72 percent more likely to have type 2 diabetes than those with little salt intake.
The study wasn’t able to indicate a causal relationship, though, meaning that it is unsafe to say whether a diet high in salt causes diabetes.
However, researchers are suggesting that increased salt intake may cause insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the key factor in type 2 diabetes.
Another theory behind the relationship between salt and diabetes is that higher salt intake is often correlated with higher weight.
Cut Back on Salty Foods for Better Health
While the details of the data are still being interpreted, one thing is clear: higher salt consumption is linked to poorer health. Salt is in excess in virtually all packaged foods, but there are some that are packing more than others.
If you’d like to quickly get your salt consumption into check, try cutting these food items out of your diet:
- Deli meats
- Vegetable juices
- Canned soups or vegetables
- Flavor packets and condiments
- Frozen meals
- Sauces
- Salad dressing
- Takeout food
- Potato chips or vegetable chips
Salt is not necessarily bad for you. It is a key component at the cellular level, after all. But eating too much salt can put your entire body out of balance, which leads to negative side effects.
Cut out the worst offenders for a step in the right direction!
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[expand title=”References“]
Medicalxpress. URL Link. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
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