Our local favourite dishes may be even unhealthier than fast food, according to Assoc Prof Rob van Dam from the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, who was speaking at the 2nd Annual Worlds of Healthy Flavours Asia 2013. In fact, 25 local dishes including fried rice, claypot rice and chicken rice contain higher levels of salt than Western fare such pizza, burgers or fries, leading to an increased consumption of sodium.
Taking into account the hectic lifestyles of Singaporeans, Assoc Prof van Dam suggested that in order to lower sodium intakes, hawkers could look at reducing salt amounts in their cooking, and individuals could consume less processed foods and more fresh foods and vegetables, to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
The 2nd Annual Worlds of Healthy Flavours Asia was held over 2 days at the Raffles City Convention Centre, and saw around 100 delegates gather to learn about healthier food choices.
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- Lianhe Zaobao, 5 December 2013, Thursday