Do You Know How Much Salt You're Eating?

According to a new study, nearly half of all Americans don't know how much salt they should be eating. Judging by the numbers, it may be more accurate to say that nearly half of all Americans don't realize how much salt they shouldn't be eating.

While the 2005 USDA Dietary guidelines state that the maximum sodium intake for a healthy adult should be no more than 2300g per day (about one teaspoon), the average American consumes nearly twice that amount, which adds up to almost 7 pounds of salt per year.

While the link between sodium intake and high blood pressure is acknowledged but still not completely clear, the USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend that people with high blood pressure and those at risk for high blood pressure should aim for no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. At risk individuals include all African American adults and middle aged individuals of all ethnicities and genders.

Related: Tips for Lowering Your Salt Intake