Delvina Gorton, national nutrition adviser at the Heart Foundation, says using a little less salt can make a big difference to Kiwis’ health.

“Half a teaspoon of salt sounds like a small amount, but an extra half teaspoon can be damaging to our health,” she says.

Raising awareness of how much “invisible salt” people are eating is part of a long term strategy aimed at improving the nation’s health.

“It’s difficult to gauge how much salt we’re  eating because a lot of it is in processed foods, such a s bread and cereals, and processed meat.”

Ms Gorton suggests choosing low-salt options in foods when shopping, eating less food high in sodium, and not adding salt to meals prepared and eaten at home.

Eating too much salt can be a major cause of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease is the single biggest cause of death for Kiwis, much of which is premature and preventable.

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