Sunday, March 15, 2009

Eat Less Salt

Over the years, Americans have become inured to salt. Most people have no idea how much salt they consume — on average, about 9 to 12 g (or 3,600 to 4,800 mg of sodium) per person per day, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). That's twice the amount recommended by the government.

Some salt is crucial for good health, of course — to regulate blood pressure and assist with muscle and nerve function — but too much (that is, at the levels we currently consume) can lead to hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

While eating less salt would improve the health of the population across the board, researchers found that the benefits would be greatest for African Americans and women.

Read the entire article on 'Eating a Bit Less Salt Can Be a Big Health Boon' By Tiffany Sharples in TIME.

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