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Your favorite chicken sandwich could lead to heart disease, according to FDA guidance

Marley Malenfant
Austin American-Statesman

Do you have a big back?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, a high intake of sodium can lead to weight gain and heart disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, especially in racial and ethnic groups. 

While sodium is a necessary part of the daily diet, too much of it can lead to poor cardiovascular health. 

Map:See interactive map of Heart Disease and Strokes in the U.S.

What are the 5 most unhealthiest chicken sandwiches?

The Star-Telegram highlighted 10 fast food restaurants that have the healthiest chicken sandwiches and the least healthy, based on sodium levels that could lead to a heart attack. 

Average daily sodium intake should not exceed 2,300 milligrams. Here are the 5 most unhealthiest:

  1. Popeye’s Classic Bacon and Cheese Chicken Sandwich: 1,874 milligrams of sodium
  2. Burger King’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich: 1,330 milligrams of sodium
  3. KFC Chicken Sandwich: 1,260 milligrams of sodium
  4. Sonic’s Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich: 1,160 milligrams of sodium
  5. Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Deluxe Chicken Sandwich: 1,790 milligrams of sodium

What are the 5 healthiest chicken sandwiches?

Here are the 5 healthiest, according to the Star-Telegram:

  1. Subway’s Grilled Chicken Sub: 580 milligrams of sodium
  2. Subway’s Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich: 760 milligrams of sodium
  3. Subway Sweet Onion Teriyaki Chicken Sub: 850 milligrams of sodium
  4. Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 770 milligrams of sodium
  5. Dairy Queen’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 970 milligrams of sodium

What foods does high sodium intake come from?

According to the CDC, 40% of the sodium consumed by Americans comes from the following foods: 

  • Deli meat sandwiches
  • Pizza
  • Burritos and tacos
  • Soups
  • Savory Snacks (e.g. chips, crackers, popcorn)
  • Poultry
  • Pasta mixed dishes
  • Burgers
  • Egg dishes and omelets

It’s recommended to read the nutrition label on the food packing so that people are aware of what nutrients and sodium they’re eating. 

What diseases can high sodium intake cause?

The FDA states that too much daily sodium intake can lead to the following: 

  • Heart attack 
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • High blood pressure 
  • Stroke 
  • Calcium loss 
  • Kidney Disease 

Ways to reduce sodium intake

The FDA mentioned 10 ways to help reduce how much salt people get from their daily diet. Most Americans consume at least 1.5 teaspoons of salt per day, or about 3400 mg of sodium, according to the administration. 

  1. Read the Nutrition Facts label
  2. Prepare your own food when you can
  3. Add flavor without adding sodium
  4. Buy fresh food and produce 
  5. Don’t buy veggies with additives 
  6. Rinse sodium-containing canned foods
  7. Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added nuts, seeds, and snack products
  8. Choose light or reduced-sodium condiments
  9. Reduce your portion size
  10. Make lower-sodium choices at restaurants