【明報專訊】The Consumer Council collected 100 samples of mixian and noodles in Asian cooking styles and tested them for nutrition contents. It has been found that 76 of the samples contain more than 2000 mg of sodium (鈉), which is equivalent to the maximum daily intake recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The experiment revealed that one serving of mixian from popular restaurants can contain as much sodium as 6000 mg, three times of the WHO limit. It has also discovered that most of the sodium is found in the soup, and consumers can lower the sodium intake by 18% to 68% if they do not drink the soup. The researchers have not only examined samples of spicy mixian but also tested other samples including Tom Yum, wonton noodles, ramen and seafood laksa.

The Consumer Council also warned consumers about the serving size in different restaurants. Some samples may not contain a lot of sodium per 100g of food. However, one can still unknowingly take in a lot of sodium if he/ she finishes the whole serving. It suggests that consumers ask the restaurant to put less sauce or salt in the noodles when placing an order.

Sodium is a nutrient most commonly found in salt. A high intake of sodium can increase one's risk of having heart diseases and strokes.

(Source: Ming Pao)

■English highway﹕per

We use the word "per" to express the amount of something based on each individual measurement, person, etc.

e.g. We spend ＄50 on lunch per person per day.

The car travels at a speed of 60 km per hour.

■Game １

(Answers on next text)

Pat has brought a bag and a cup of instant noodles in the supermarkets. She compares the food nutrition labels on the package. Which one has less sodium?

■Game ２

Although they all look like noodles, each dish has different ingredients. Match the dishes with their names.

A. Ramen in pork soup

B. Raised beef noodles

C. Wonton noodles

■Glossary

sample (n) 樣本

equivalent (adj) 等同

reveal (v) 揭露

risk (n) 風險

[Smarties' Power English 第211期]