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  5. Watch for hidden salt

Watch for hidden salt

  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Reduce your risk
  4. Eat well
  5. Watch for hidden salt

Too much salt may increase your risk of which type of cancer?

Eating too much salt and salty food may increase your risk of stomach cancer.

 
Body showing that eating too much salt and salty food can raise the risk of stomach cancer

How much salt should we use?

Our bodies need some salt to help maintain our balance of water (hydration). Also, table salt is fortified with iodine, which you need for good health.

But much of the salt we eat comes from processed food such as breakfast cereals, soups, sauces, bread, ready-made meals and snack foods (where it can be listed as sodium). We also add salt to our food at the table or when cooking.

Canadians tend to eat more salt than they need. Keep reading for some tips to eat less salt.

5 tips to eat less salt

A nutrition label

Read nutrition labels

Look for foods that have less than 5% DV (daily value) of sodium. You may be surprised to find that even foods like breakfast cereal contain salt. Choose foods that are labelled sodium-free, low-sodium, reduced (or less) sodium or unsalted. For example, buy unsalted nuts and low-sodium crackers.

Person shopping in a supermarket

Limit preserved, packaged and processed foods

Preserved foods like salted fish and meat and pickled foods are very high in salt. Packaged and processed foods may also be high in salt. Eat them in small amounts and only once in a while.

Small bowls of ketchup, mustard and other condiments

Cut down on sauces and condiments

Worcestershire and soy sauce are typically high in salt. Even condiments like ketchup contain a lot of salt.

A salt shaker on a table

Remove the salt shaker from the table

If it’s not handy, you’ll be less likely to add extra. Always taste food first before choosing to add salt.

Potted herbs and jars of spices

Remove or reduce salt in recipes whenever possible

For plenty of flavour, replace salt with herbs, spices and citrus.

How do I pair herbs and spices with different foods?

Herbs with food pairings
Basil
Fish, chicken, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, zucchini, stew, dressing, sauces, soups, salads
Dill
Fish, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, whole grains, dressings, sauces
Oregano
Chicken, fish, artichokes, tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, potatoes, dressings, sauces, stews
Parsley
Chicken, fish, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, rice, dressings, sauces, stews
Rosemary
Fish, chicken, carrots, squash, whole grains, soups, salads
Sage
Turkey, carrots, potatoes, squash, whole grains, soups, salads, dressings, sauces
Tarragon
Chicken, fish, green beans, whole grains, soups, salads, dressings, sauces
Thyme
Turkey, lentils, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, cauliflower, green beans, peas, sauces, broths, dressings
Spices with food pairings
Allspice
Squash, beets, cabbage, carrots, sweet potatoes, turnip, apples, whole grains, sweet sauces, soups, bread, desserts
Chili powder
Fish, chicken, tomatoes, corn, green beans, squash, cauliflower, stews, soups, salad dressings
Cinnamon
Chicken, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, whole grains, sweet sauces, coffee, baked goods
Cloves
Carrots, squash, beets, sweet potatoes, apples, whole grains, sweet sauces, tea, curries, baked goods
Cumin
Chicken, fish, lentils, tofu, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, corn, green beans
Ginger
Fish, turkey, carrots, squash, citrus, beets, sweet potatoes, soups, stir-fries, tea, baked goods, cooked fruits
Turmeric
Chicken, fish, tofu, cauliflower, cabbage, potatoes, lentils, whole grains, stews, curries
Garlic
Chicken, fish, tofu, beans, potatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, stews, dressings, sauces

Keep these pairings handy.

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