New Health Warning For Sweet Treats That Are Already Feared By Dentists
Most people are aware that eating sugary treats puts their oral health risk and dentists are constantly campaigning to encourage people to consume less sugar, but a new warning has now been issued over sugary biscuits and cookies. Research has revealed that some biscuits, including Hobnobs and high-end cookies contain more salt than salted popcorn and chicken nuggets and experts have warned that children are at risk of an overdose on salt every day.
Excessive sugar consumption is linked to an increased risk of obesity and related complications, diabetes and oral health problems, including decay and gum disease, but experts are now worried that sugary foods are also contributing to additional health problems as a result of their high salt content. Excessive salt consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure, which contributes to heart disease and strokes.
Research revealed that 100 types of biscuit contained at least the same level or more salt than Butterkist Salted Popcorn, which contains 0.9mg of salt per 100g. Consensus Action of Salt and Health (CASH) claims that children at high risk of developing health problems as a result of consuming too much salt.
The health group is now urging food manufacturers and supermarkets to reduce the level of salt in their biscuit products.
Professor Graham MacGregor, chairman of CASH and professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, said that the fact that sweet foods also contain a lot of sugar makes it very difficult for parents to stop their children having more than recommended daily intake of salt. He added that manufacturers need to reduce the amount of salt they put in their products to prevent public health problems.
Victoria Taylor, a dietician from the British Heart Foundation, said that parents face a very difficult battle trying to prevent their children from consuming too much salt and sugar.
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