The average doner kebab, on sale in takeaways around the UK, contains almost a full day's limit of salt, almost 1.5 times the limit of saturated fat and over half a day's worth of calories.

Research carried out in fast food outlets in 76 UK local authorities has found that a boozy end-of-night treat is enough to send blood pressures and waistlines skyrocketing. Of the 494 doner kebabs that were analysed, it was found that the average doner kebab contained:

• 98% of a person's daily salt limit
• 148% of a person's daily saturated fat limit
• nearly 1,000 calories, which is half a woman's recommended daily calorie intake

The worst doner kebab contained almost three times the limit for salt, nearly 3.5 times the limit for saturated fat and 1,990 calories (almost the whole day's calorie intake for a woman).

Salt and fat are closely linked with a person's risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Being overweight - a result of eating too many calories and not taking enough exercise - only adds to this risk. For this reason, a diet that regularly included late-night kebabs could be a cause for serious concern.

People should eat no more than 6g of salt a day to help keep their blood pressure down. While the recommended limit for saturated fat is no more than 20g for women and 30g for men.

The Blood Pressure Association has a range of helpful advice and ideas on lowering blood pressure through healthy eating to reduce salt and fat intake. Please use the links below:

Reference:

The composition and labelling of doner kebabs. A LACORS coordinated foods standards survey. Number 9. January 2009