TRC's STARS Enhanced Health Plan

How much Sodium (Salt) do you need?

According to the Mayo Clinic, we are most likely getting more sodium than is recommended in our diets. This could lead to serious health problems.

Do you know how much sodium is in a single teaspoon of table salt?  There are 2,325 milligrams (mg) of sodium in that teaspoon of salt.  The average American gets about 3,400 mg of sodium a day — much more than recommended.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg a day — or 1,500 mg if you’re age 51 or older, or if you are African American, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Here are some tips for cutting back on sodium:

• Eat more fresh foods. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Also, fresh meat is lower in sodium than are luncheon meat, bacon, hot dogs, sausage, and ham.
• Opt for low-sodium products. If you do buy processed foods, choose those that are labeled “low sodium.”
• Remove salt from recipes whenever possible.
• Limit use of sodium-laden condiments. Soy sauce, salad dressings, sauces, dips, ketchup, mustard, and relish all contain sodium.
• Use herbs, spices and other flavorings to season foods. .
• Use salt substitutes wisely. Some salt substitutes or light salts contain a mixture of table salt and other compounds.

See below for a low-calorie, low-salt comfort food to try on these cold nights.  Be heart healthy!

For more information on sodium, visit: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/sodium/art-20045479?pg=2

BLACK BEAN SOUP

• Nonstick cooking spray 1 medium onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. ground cumin 1 jalapeño, chopped 2 16- oz. canned, low-sodium undrain black beans
• 1 15- oz. canned, no-salt-added, diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth (for vegetarians)
• Chopped, fresh cilantro, (optional)

1. Spray large pot with cooking spray, over medium-high heat add onion and cook until translucent (5 minutes).
2. Add garlic, cumin and jalapeno and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add beans to pot and lightly mash with a potato masher or fork.
4. Add tomatoes and broth ? bring to a boil and reduce to medium heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Serve topped with chopped fresh cilantro (optional).

Nutritional Info

Nutritional Analysis Per serving  Calories Per Serving 245, Total Fat 0.5 g, Saturated Fat 0.0 g, Trans Fat 0.0 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0 g, Monounsaturated Fat 0.0,  Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 34 mg, Potassium 1128 mg, Carbohydrates 45 g, Fiber 11,  Protein 15 g, Calcium 110 mg, Price Per Serving $1.36

Recipe copyright © 2015 American Heart Association. This recipe is brought to you by the American Heart Association’s Simple Cooking with Heart ® Program. For more simple, quick and affordable recipes, visit heart.org/simplecooking.