Most pizzas sold in Australia are overloaded with salt, some containing more than three times the recommended daily intake, new research reveals.
The study, by the George Institute in Sydney, labels the worst offenders as Pizza Hut's BBQ Meat Lovers, Pizza Hut's Stuffed Crust Supreme and Eagle Boys' Carnivore, which each contain more than 12g of salt, though no one pizza chain was better or worse than others.
The researchers analysed 115 takeaway pizzas and 41 supermarket pizzas.
It found 100 per cent of takeaway pizzas and 75 per cent of supermarket pizzas analysed contained more than the recommended daily intake of salt, which is 4g.
Evidence shows a diet high in salt can increase blood pressure, which in turn puts extra strain on blood vessels. High blood pressure can also increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times.