Want a Healthy Heart ? Reduce Salt

Did you know that salt consumption in the level of reasonable and not excessive not only can reduce blood pressure, but also reduce the risk of heart disease as a whole. In a media report that was launched from the BBC, they mention that are on the verge of high blood pressure and reduce sodium intake by 25 to 35 per cent were able to reduce the risk of heart disease overall and 25 percent. And this risk reduction lasted for 10 to 15 years.

Dr. Nancy Cook and colleagues from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston studied more than 3 thousand volunteers who joined in a study of low salt content of food and its impact on high blood pressure.

In his report in the British Medical Journal, volunteers are given a low salt content of food has a smaller risk of all types of heart disease even 10 to 15 years later. They also face the possibility of 20 per cent lower than the mortality compared with people who consume a normal diet.

"Our study proves that sodium reduction might prevent cardiovascular disease and may remove any residue associated that sodium reduction can be dangerous," explained Nancy.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), which funded the study, suggesting a reduction of sodium consumption, since salt intake clearly associated with high blood pressure.

We have recorded more than 65 million adults in the U.S., one of the three, could not avoid from high blood pressure, above 140/90, the NHLBI. As many as 59 million more people have a higher risk of blood - which is inserted into the blood pressure of 120/80 or more.

The average meal in the U.S. and the UK contain more than 2.300 Mg sodium per day recommended by the NHLBI and expert groups.

Team chef said salt may affect the health of blood vessels and heart in a way through the blood pressure. Because sodium makes the blood vessels can not expand and contract and harden the heart cells.

Reduction of sodium intake to prevent the risk of heart disease also is agreed Professor Graham MacGregor, a consultant in the cardiovascular health of St. George's Hospital, London and head of Consensus Action Group on Salt.

MacGregor hopes in 2010 each person can consume salt is not more than six grams per day.

The following limit salt intake / sodium based on age:

• 1 to 3 years - 2 g salt a day (0.8g sodium)
• 4 to 6 years - 3g salt a day (1.2g sodium)
• 7 to 10 years - 5g salt a day (2g sodium)
• 11 and over - 6g salt a day (2.5g sodium)