A new study shows Indians are consuming salt than is way above what WHO recommends and topping the list is Tripura. The 'WHO-recommended' maximum consumption level is 5 gm/day.

The researchers at the George Institute for Global Health reviewed data across the country and found that the salt intake far exceeds the limit.

“The average daily salt intake was 10.98 grams per day for Indians aged above 19 against the WHO recommendation of 5 gm,” a statement from the institute said, highlighting the key findings of the study published in the Journal of Hypertension.

“Every measure of salt intake made in India except one has provided an estimate above the WHO-recommended maximum consumption level of 5 gm/day, and the best estimate obtained by this meta-analysis suggests that average salt intake in India is about double of that,” the study notes.

The results suggest while urban populations eat less processed foods, they consume more salted pickled products.

Lead author Claire Johnson, of the institute, said: “Over the past 30 years the average Indian diet has been transformed. They are eating less pulses, fruits and vegetables and lots more processed and fast foods. As a result their diets are now full of salt, sugars and harmful fats which are driving up rates of high blood pressure, obesity and cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.”

“We need a country wide educational programme teaching people about to eat and how to reduce the salt in their diet. It can be done but it needs investment and it needs to be made a priority given our rapidly rising levels of cardio vascular disease and high blood pressure,” he said.

The study concludes: “Although the limitations of the current study are substantial, the conclusion that salt intake levels are well above that recommended is unlikely to be wrong. The data provide a strong rationale for the implementation of a national salt reduction programme in India.”

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