Malaysians Are Consuming More Salt Than The Recommended Daily Amount

Living in Malaysia, we are blessed with access to all sorts of delectable dishes, thanks to our multi-racial background.

So it’s no surprise that our favourite past time is actually eating since we can do it at any time of the day (read: 24-hour mamak).

But by doing so too frequently might inculcate some unhealthy eating habits, which in return may have contributed to this new discovery.

The Health Ministry recently revealed that Malaysians above the age of 18 consumes on an average 7.15 grams of salt daily, which is two grams higher than the amount recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), as reported by The Star.

But it's hard to resist breakfast, lunch, tea time, dinner, and supper in Malaysia!

What’s even more startling, it is believed that those under 18 years old might be consuming more than that amount.

“This is because children below that age always show preference for food with high content of salt such as fast food, processed food, chips and snacks,” Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam told the English daily.

The health ministry is currently working on reducing Malaysian’s salt intake to at least six grams by 2050.

Dr Subramaniam also said that excessive salt intake may lead to health problems such as hypertension, heart-related diseases, and stroke.

Goodbye McDonalds. Let's see how long we can survive without you.

Among the foods that Malaysians enjoy that contain high levels of salt are tomato and chili sauce, soya sauce, canned food, processed and frozen food, salted fish, and flavour enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Well guys, it’s time we turn a new leaf and try to cut down on our salt intake. Perhaps we can start cutting down on processed and frozen food?