Salt intake in Armenia almost twice WHO limit, health officials warn

Armenians consume almost twice the recommended daily amount of salt, according to new figures released by the Ministry of Health.

Data shows the average daily intake stands at 9.8 grams, well above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline of less than 5 grams per day. Excessive salt consumption is linked to increased risks of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Globally, WHO estimates that reducing salt intake to recommended levels could prevent up to 1.7 million deaths annually.

The report highlights concerning habits:

• Around 35% of adults regularly add salt or salty sauces to meals while eating.
• Nearly one-third of the population frequently consumes processed foods high in salt.
• Men are more likely than women to add salt and eat salt-rich products.

Health experts stress that cutting back is vital. Recommendations include cooking with less salt, tasting food before adding seasoning, limiting processed snacks, checking nutrition labels for sodium content and increasing fruit and vegetable intake.