CDC: Bread beats out chips as biggest salt source

ATLANTA (AP) - Trying to cut down on salt? Health officials have come up with a list of the top 10 sources of salt in the American
diet -- and bread is No. 1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says just 10 foods account for 44 percent of the sodium in the American diet.

Salt is the main source of sodium, which increases the risk of high blood pressure.

Bread and rolls topped the list. They aren't actually saltier than other foods, but a CDC official says people tend to eat a lot of bread. Cold cuts, pizza and poultry were also leading sources.

Health officials say salt should be limited to about a teaspoon a day but most Americans eat more.

Below is the complete list that the CDC released Tuesday:

1. Breads and rolls
2. Luncheon meats such as deli ham and turkey
3. Pizza
4. Poultry
5. Soups
6. Cheeseburgers and other sandwiches
7. Cheese
8. Pasta dishes
9. Meat dishes
10. Snack foods including chips, pretzels, and popcorn

Online:

CDC: http:// www.cdc.gov /Features/ VitalSigns /Sodium/