The Salt Manufacturers Association ::: saltsense, salt history, salt manufacture, salt uses, sodium. Key information on salt from the Salt Industry

It is said that there is no such thing as bad food - only bad diets. The best guideline to follow is that nothing, including food, should be taken to excess in order to achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

A balanced diet is one that provides an adequate intake of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibre, water, minerals and vitamins. The five food groups that contain these components are:

Bread, cereal, rice and potatoes
Fruit and vegetables
Meat, fish and nuts
Milk and dairy products
Fat, oil and sugar.

The proportions of consumption vary for each individual person depending on metabolic rates, level of exercise and personal tastes. In order to maintain a balance and keep both heart and body healthy, the generally accepted measures of each group are indicated in the food pyramid.

food pyramid, as refered to in text above

Fat and carbohydrates are the main fuel for the body and protein is needed in large quantities for growth and repair. Vitamins and minerals are required in comparatively small quantities but have very important and specific metabolic roles within the body.

There is no consensus on what constitutes a 'safe and adequate' level of dietary sodium. However, a balanced diet and common sense approach will provide sufficient salt for the majority of people. Salt is one of the essential mineral components of a healthy diet, helping the body to perform vital functions such as digesting food and helping the flow of nutrients.

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