Eating for Life

* We know that there is an association between too much sodium in the diet and high blood pressure in some individuals. Sodium is a mineral that occurs naturally in some foods and is added to many foods and beverages as salt lt or other additives. Most sodium in the American diet comes fro salt. One teaspoon of salt contains about 2 grams of sodium. In countries where people eat only small amounts of sodium, high blood pressure is rare. We also know that when some people with high blood pressure greatly reduce their sodium intake, their blood pressure will fall. Because Americans generally eat much more sodium than they need, it is probably best for most people to reduce the amount of sodium they eat. According to the N National Academy of Sciences, a safe and adequate amount of of sodium in the diet of the average adult is between 1 and 3.3 grams daily.

Some recent studies indicated that the substitution of n of monosaturated fats, such as those saturated fats may lower blood cholesterol. Cancer

* The National Cancer Institute estimates that about 80 percent of all cancers may be related to smoking, diet, and the environment. nt. * The National Cancer Institute estimates that about one-third of all cancer deaths may be related to the foods we eat. Studies at the National Cancer Institute suggest that eating foods high in fiber may reduce risks of cancers rs of the colon and rectum. Adult Americans now eat about 11 gram of fiber daily according to NCI studies. NCI recommends that Americans increase the daily amount of fiber they eat to between 20 and 30 grams, with an upper limit of 35 grams. The NCI also emphasizes the importance of choosing fiber rich foods, not supplements. Good sources of fiber are whole grain breads and bran cereals, vegetables, cooked dry peas and beans, and fruits.

* We know that diets high in fats of all kinds have been linked to certain cancers, particularly those of the breast, c colon, lining of the uterus, and prostate gland. Some studies have suggested that fat may act as a cancer promoter (an agent that speeds up the development of cancer).