Health Tip: Use Less Salt in Your Diet

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(HealthDay News) -- Sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, which raises your risk for heart attack and stroke.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers these suggestions for a lower-sodium diet:

• Choose fresh, lean meats, poultry, and fish instead of processed versions.
• Skip the salt and use fresh herbs, spices, and low- or no-salt seasonings.
• Stick to fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned. If you do choose canned, look for "no salt added" versions, or rinse vegetables before use.
• Don't add salt to the water when cooking rice or pasta. Also, avoid instant versions of these foods.
• Stay away from pre-packaged foods that are often high in sodium, such as frozen meals, pizzas, canned soups and foods, and packed food mixes.

-- Diana Kohnle

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