Consuming more than 1 teaspoon of salt per day can increase blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Indeed, meeting salt reduction targets would save millions of lives every year.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Salt intake and blood pressure: There is a direct correlation that if you consume too much salt, obviously your blood pressure will increase.
- Heart disease and stroke risk: High blood pressure is a major cause of heart attack and stroke, two of the most common health problems in the world.
- Potential for reduced mortality: If everyone reduced their daily sodium consumption to the recommended levels per day an estimated 2.5 million deaths could be prevented each year.
More than 1 teaspoon of salt per day can increase blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for heart disease & stroke. An estimated 2.5 million deaths could be prevented per year if everyone lowers their salt consumption to the recommended limit. #WorldHeartDay #LessSalt pic.twitter.com/KDZMEqV2EA
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) September 29, 2024
Why is salt so harmful?
- Sodium retention: As you know, salt has sodium which is why, it could lead to fluid gain in your body.
- Blood vessel strain: This added fluid causes pressure on blood vessels, which weakens and hardens them.
- Hypertension: Blood vessels constricting means that it is hard to flow blood and this would increase the blood pressure.
How to reduce salt intake:
- Read food labels
- Choose fresh produce
- Limit processed foods
- Cook with herbs and spices
- Reduce sodium in your diet gradually
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