Benefits of reducing salt intake

Subject : Science and Technology

Background:

A recent study published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology showed a higher incidence of heart attacks, heart failure and strokes with higher frequency of adding salt to one’s food.
A 2001 study found salt substitutes reduced the incidence of stroke and heart attack by almost 10%, and deaths too.

India’s condition:

In India a consumption of more than 10 gm per day, far exceeding the recommended allowance.
A study conducted by Sapiens heath foundation amongst school and college students in Chennai showed a 10% prevalence of hypertension.
In India, the confusion is that the majority of labels show sodium content. The ordinary consumer is not aware that 1 gm of sodium is 2.5 gm of salt.

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH diet)

DASH is the best recommended diet to prevent cardiovascular events.
DASH diet involves eating fruits, vegetables, lean meat, poultry, nuts, whole grains, and reducing the intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and sugar.
it was found that adding less salt with food was associated with fewer heart attacks and strokes. This was found to be true even in participants who were following the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
The WHO recommends only 5 gm of salt per day.

Other recommendation:

It is high time that a product is available in two forms — normal and low salt content like the fat content in milk.
Salt substitutes are good since majority of them contain up to 25% potassium chloride.