Ministry of Health Singapore: The Great A-Salt

The Ministry of Health has brought back iconic health heroine ‘The Guardian of Health’ in an action-packed blockbuster to be launched in time for Chinese New Year – this time in a multi-verse storyline. Last seen battling the white-rice and sugar arch villains in a series of anti-diabetes Kung Fu films, the Guardian of Health returns through a time portal into our modern-day world. This time, she faces a terrifying new nemesis: evil ‘Salt Villains’ determined to wreak havoc on people’s health. Thematically inspired by K-dramas, the 90-second film sees our Guardian of Health engaged in gripping, heart-thumping fight sequences to rescue restaurant diners who have been frozen in place by salt crystals – because they have consumed way too much salt. She saves the day by delivering an important health message: Consume no more than 1 teaspoon of salt per day, and opt for lower-sodium salt, sauces and seasonings for a healthier lifestyle. The film is part of the Ministry of Health’s drive to combat Singaporeans’ high-salt and sodium intake. Singaporeans consume an average of 3,600mg of sodium a day, or more than one-and-a-half teaspoons of salt daily – almost double that of the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of 2,000mg of sodium a day or one teaspoon. This can lead to a higher risk of hypertension, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. The National Population Health Survey 2021 also found that one in six Singapore residents reported having hypertension or high blood pressure.