Salt, Diet and Health - Hardcover

MacGregor, G. A.; Wardener, H. E. De

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521583527 ISBN 13: 9780521583527

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1998

Synopsis

The deliberate and often well-camouflaged addition of excess salt to processed foods has momentous health consequences, comparable in nature to the well-documented risks of smoking tobacco. Should our processed food come with a government health warning? The authors of this book provide a compelling and forceful account of these complex issues, teasing out fact from fantasy, and casting light on some of the hidden forces working to manipulate and exploit the consumer. This scientific detective story unravels with startling clarity how the evidence for the prosecution has been obfuscated, misinterpreted and even denigrated by some of the powerful vested interests of the multi-billion dollar food industry. Along the way, the authors illuminate the rich history and mythology associated with salt, its symbolism and manifold socio-economic consequences, all illustrated with an entertaining and eclectic selection of historical and contemporary illustrations. On the one hand this is a book with profound implications for public health, and on the other it is an entertaining and instructive account of a part of our diet that is too easily taken for granted, and ignored at our peril.

About this title

Review

Wars, sex and addiction...you would never think that the subject of Graham MacGregor and Hugh Wardener's highly informative book is just plain old salt.

Yet the authors argue convincingly of the harmful effects of the substance, while somehow managing to keep the reader entertained on a subject which would inspire few to read on.

As expected, the book covers the effects of a high salt intake, which raises blood pressure and increases the risk of kidney disease. More controversially, it insists a high salt diet is responsible for, or aggravates, other conditions such as cancer, asthma, kidney stones, enlargement of the heart and strokes. The claims are backed up by well-documented research from all over the world and the suggestions for future reading are exhaustive.

Ways to reduce salt intake are also discussed, although these will already be familiar to most readers and suggest little that is new. What are interesting are the comparisons of the amount of salt in processed food to that of sea salt. For instance, a packet of crisps contains three times more salt than sea water! The eminent authors (MacGregor is Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of London St George's Hospital Medical School and de Wardener is Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of London Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine), argue forcefully against the influence of industries which rely on the high consumption of salt for business.

What intrigued me most about this interesting publication is the history of salt which has even been the cause of wars and conflict. Homer called it a "divine" substance; Plato said it was "especially dear to the Gods"; and in the 16th century it was regarded by many as the fifth element, alongside earth, air, fire and water. It has been considered as a symbol of fertility, wisdom and sanctity, wit, durability, friendship and, ironically, health.

And you thought salt just made your fish and chips taste better... --Carole Butterworth

Review

' ... one of the most informative and entertaining books that I have read. MacGregor and De Wardener have spent much of their scientific lives pursuing the association between salt and hypertension. They not only have a deep insight, but are able to convey their knowledge convincingly.' Marcus Müller, British Medical Journal

'On the one hand this is a book with profound implications for public health, and on the other it is an entertaining and instructive account of a part of our diet that is too easily taken for granted, and ignored at our peril.' International Journal of Epidemiology

'The book contains an abundance of little known facts. It will hold the interest of the subspecialist, yet it is written simply enough to attract those outside medicine. Salt, Diet and Health is worthwhile reading for all.' Nadine Bazilinksi, Journal of the American Medical Association

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521583527
• ISBN 13: 9780521583527
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 233