Are you a fan of the convenience of deli meats, but want to make sure you're eating healthier cuts? All you have to do is flip the package around and scan its label. But don't let all of the bits of information overwhelm you. Instead, focus on two factors to make sure you're going with a quality brand: the sodium content and the length of the ingredient list.
If you look at the back of a 3-ounce packet of Maruchan chicken ramen, you'll see that eating the entire thing gives you 1,520 milligrams of sodium, 66% of the daily recommended value. Most of this comes from the seasoning rather than the noodles, as salt is in the "less than 1%" category of the noodle ingredients, but the leading ingredient for the soup base.
As a Registered Dietitian who is an avid home cook and author of two cookbooks, I am a lover of homemade salad dressings. I keep an assortment of oils, vinegars, mustards, herbs, and spices on hand to whisk together a dressing in minutes. I have exactly one pre-made dressing in my fridge from Bragg (more on that below). I'm also aware that a lot of folks are looking for a store-bought option that delivers on taste and freshness.
Doctors recognize that maintaining a proper sodium level is crucial for fluid balance, nerve function, and heart health. Healthy sodium levels range from 135 to 145 millimoles per liter.
According to the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the average American consumes 3,400 mg of sodium per day, far more than what the American Heart Association recommends, which is no more than 1,500 mg per day.