GENEVA, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- On the occasion of Sept. 29 World Heart Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday called for reducing salt intake to cut the number of people experiencing heart disease and stroke and in turn save lives.
Non-communicable diseases, including heart diseases and stroke, are the leading causes of premature death in 21st century.
According to WHO's Global Action Plan to reduce Non-communicable diseases, reducing global salt intake by a relative 30 percent by 2025 is one of the important targets.
"If the target to reduce salt by 30 percent globally by 2025 is achieved, millions of lives can be saved from heart disease, stroke and related conditions," Oleg Chestnov, WHO assistant director-general, said in a statement.
Consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, and greatly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Chestnov noted that reducing salt intake is one of the most effective ways to improve population health.
However, WHO said people consume around 10 grams of salt per day, almost doubles the WHO's recommended level of salt intake.
WHO urged food industry to work closely with national governments to incrementally reduce the level of salt in food products.
WHO's evidence-based strategies to reduce salt consumption are including ensuring food manufactures reduce the levels of salt in food and beverage products and making healthy food available and affordable, fostering healthy eating environments in public places, as well as ensuring clear food labeling so consumers can easily understand the level of salt in products.
For individuals and families, WHO recommended to remove salt dispensers and bottled sauces form dining tables, limit the amount of salt added in cooking and frequent consumption of high salt products, and guide children's taste buds through a diet of mostly unprocessed foods without adding salt.
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