A recent study finds that cutting down salt intake can significantly help in preventing the potential risk of heart attack as well as saving some money.
A recent study finds that cutting down salt intake can significantly help in preventing the potential risk of heart attack as well as saving some money.
Excessive intake of salt has been linked to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends restricting daily salt intake to 5 grams per person per day.
The researchers in the study relied on data from a variety of sources, including the 2006 Medical Panel Expenditure Survey and Framingham Heart Study, to develop a hypothetical model of health benefits and costs of two different methods to reduced salt intake on a large scale of population.
For the study, the researchers used a computer model to estimate what would happen if consumers and food-makers in America copied UK's voluntary salt-reduction campaign. As per the calculations, Americans between the age group of 40-85 years would cut their salt intake by 9.5 percent. This would prevent strokes in 5,13,885 people and heart attacks in 4,80,358 individuals. Overall, the total savings to the health-care system would top $32 billion, according to the study.
The researchers also calculated that taxing salt can reduce its intake by six percent, which will result in 3,27,892 fewer strokes and 3,06,173 fewer heart attacks. Also, if the study can be applied to UK and America, they can also prove effective for Asian populations, as their diet is rich in salt and spices.
Reducing salt intake by 9.5 percent can result in a modest decline in the blood pressure level of the Americans while minimising their risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
The study shows that people should seriously think about cutting down salt intake voluntarily, if they want to stay healthy.
Excessive intake of salt has been linked to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends restricting daily salt intake to 5 grams per person per day.
The researchers in the study relied on data from a variety of sources, including the 2006 Medical Panel Expenditure Survey and Framingham Heart Study, to develop a hypothetical model of health benefits and costs of two different methods to reduced salt intake on a large scale of population.
For the study, the researchers used a computer model to estimate what would happen if consumers and food-makers in America copied UK's voluntary salt-reduction campaign. As per the calculations, Americans between the age group of 40-85 years would cut their salt intake by 9.5 percent. This would prevent strokes in 5,13,885 people and heart attacks in 4,80,358 individuals. Overall, the total savings to the health-care system would top $32 billion, according to the study.
The researchers also calculated that taxing salt can reduce its intake by six percent, which will result in 3,27,892 fewer strokes and 3,06,173 fewer heart attacks. Also, if the study can be applied to UK and America, they can also prove effective for Asian populations, as their diet is rich in salt and spices.
Reducing salt intake by 9.5 percent can result in a modest decline in the blood pressure level of the Americans while minimising their risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
The study shows that people should seriously think about cutting down salt intake voluntarily, if they want to stay healthy.
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