Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.24
By Temkin Jafarov - Trend:
Some 47 million people consume junk food in Iran, IRNA news agency quoted Iran's Deputy Health Minister Ali Akbar Sayyari as saying on Dec.24.
He made the remarks during the conference entitled 'National mobilization to reduce salt intake'.
Sayyari said that talking about junk food, he is referring to fatty, sugary and salty food.
"Reducing the consumption of fruits and vegetables and increasing the consumption of salty, sugary and fatty food is a sign of unhealthy eating habits," the deputy minister said.
Sayyari added that Iranians averagely consume 10-12 grams of salt per day. "Nevertheless, this figure should be equal to five grams. Those over the age of 50 should consume three grams of salt per day."
He said that it is necessary to reduce salt consumption in order to prevent high blood pressure. "Around 10 million people between the ages of 15 and 64 suffer from high blood pressure. About 86,500 people die of high blood pressure in the country every year."
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