Download Shaking Out the Facts about Salt

Shaking Out the Facts about Salt
Directions: Before reading, in the first column, write “A” or “D,” indicating your agreement or disagreement
with each statement. As you read, compare your opinions with information from the article. In the space under
each statement, cite information from the article that supports or refutes your original ideas.
Me
Text
Statement
1. Salt can enhance sweetness and hide unpleasant flavors.
2. Salt intake has no appreciable effect on blood pressure.
3. Salt has little effect on other nutrients.
4. Salt consumption has increased during the past half century because
manufacturers add salt to commercial foods.
5. Two tablespoons of Kraft Italian salad dressing has more salt than two Eggo
waffles.
6. Table salt is made of sodium chloride, an ionic compound.
7. Electrolytes are compounds containing sodium and potassium ions.
8. Sodium ions are needed by the nervous system for communication.
9. In osmosis, water moves across a semipermeable membrane to equalize
solute concentration.
10. Too much sodium in our cells can lead to dehydration.
Directions: As you read the article, complete the graphic organizer below to describe information about salt in
food.
3
New things you learned
about salt in your diet
2
Things to remember when
adding salt to food
1
Contact!
Question you have about
salt in food
What would you like to
tell others about salt in
our food?
Shaking out the Facts about Salt
1. Besides adding “saltiness” to the taste food, what two other positive effects does salt have on the taste of
food?
2. OK, if salt makes food taste good, why is it bad for us?
3. How effective is reducing sodium intake in alleviating the problem described in question 2, above?
4. Current guidelines recommend a daily dietary intake of sodium from salt at 2300 mg. How’s that working
out for us?
5. What makes sodium so reactive?
6. Do the facts from studies support the dietary guidelines recommendation to use less salt? Explain.
7. Describe one potential medical problem associated with a low-sodium diet.
8. What role do electrolytes like sodium play in the body?
9. Describe osmolarity.
10. Why does reduced sodium in the body contribute to dehydration?
11. Why do we need to continually replenish our supply of salt in the body?
12. Name the three major sources of sodium intake in U.S. citizens. Identify the largest source.
13. Since there are scientific and medical advocates both for a low daily sodium intake (1500-2300 mg) and a
high daily sodium intake (up to 6,000 mg), what path should the average person choose?