Less Salt Consumption May Lower Blood Pressure, But Not the Risk of Heart Diseases

In contrast to all the studies conducted till now, a new research showed that reduced salt intake may not lower the risk of heart attacks. That is, whether the salt intake is low or high it doesn’t have any effect on the heart or any other cardiovascular diseases.

The research was conducted by the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth. The researchers reviewed the data from seven studies which involved 6,500 participants who reduced salt intake in their regular diet. At the end of the study it was found that the participants who consumed lesser salts do have lower blood pressures but it dint reduce the risk of dying or having a heart disease.

This finding does not mean that people can have salt as much as they like. It is very important to take less quantities of salt in order to have lower blood pressure so that the strokes due to high blood pressures can be reduced.

However, the experts do feel that the relation between the salt consumption and the cardiovascular diseases is complex and requires more research. But then, the present research is also of high priority. Other experts from different Universities also say that salt does not contribute to heart disease and other life threatening conditions, which can lead to an untimely death in the long run.

Healthy amount of sodium is required in our diet. Larger amounts of salt in our diet always indicates a bad diet. Now a days all the readymade foods and the fast foods are high in salts and fats. Reducing the intake of these foods help in reducing weight as well as in lowering high blood pressures.

The US dietary guidelines recommend overall salt intake per day should not be more than 1500 milligrams, particularly for the older adults. However some experts believe that this it is not enough as it is quiet lower than the typical hospital’s ‘low sodium diet’ of 2000 mg per day.

Apart from reducing the salt intake the researchers also suggest some other healthy habits such as eating more fruits and vegetables and doing regular exercises to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Instead of using medicines for blood pressure which show side effects, right consumption of salt along with few other lifestyle changes is an effective way of staying out of any heart risks.