Although there is no direct evidence that salt is the cause of high blood
pressure or "hypertension", there are studies which indicate that reducing salt
intake lowers blood pressure. Some scientists are also concerned that excessive
use of salt may cause asthma and kidney disease. Therefore most doctors would
welcome a decision by food manufacturers to decrease the amount of salt in
food. Many food manufacturers, however, are reluctant to reduce
tile amount of salt. Salt is art important flavor enhancer and preservative.
British Salt points out that salt is an essential nutrient and regular intake is
required to maintain bodily functions. Moreover, according to British Salt,
there are greater risk factors in hypertension, such as obesity (肥胖) , lack of
exercise, alcohol intake and smoking. Another reason why food producers are not
keen on lowering the amount of salt is probably that they fear that less salt
will mean lower sales. Not only will the sale of processed food containing salt
decease but also the sale of soft drinks. A recent study,
published in The Lancet of April 1999, proves that if manufacturers cut the salt
content of food it will not necessarily affect the taste of the product. Anthony
Rodgers and Bruce Neal conducted a study to examine the difference in taste
between bread with standard and reduced salt content. Three types of whole-meal
bread were prepared, identical in all respects except for salt content. One loaf
contained the standard quantity, one loaf 10% reduced and one 20% reduced. Sixty
participants, who did not know the salt content were asked to rate the taste on
a scale from zero to ten. They also had to guess which loaf contained the
standard, 10% reduced and 20% reduced quantity. Of the 180 guesses of salt
content, 63 were correct, which is not different from what would be expected by
chance. The study by Rodgers and Neal indicates that small
reductions in salt content will not necessarily affect sales. If food
manufacturers decide to diminish the amount of salt in food, blood pressure of
the entire population will shift downwards, which may result in considerable
health benefits. One of Britain's largest supermarkets, Asda, has already
decided to decrease the amount of salt in its products. The Asda products will
contain up to 25% less salt.
单选题
What brought about the demand for reduction of salt for food products?
A. Studies indicate that salt can cause high blood pressure.
B. Scientists think that the reduction of salt will reduce the possibility
of asthma and kidney disease.
C. Doctors are sure that there is correlation between salt intake and many
diseases.
D. Studies show that the reduced intake of salt may decrease the possibility
of high blood pressure.