Taking just 3 grams off the daily salt intake of Americans could prevent up to 66,000 strokes, 99,000 heart attacks and 92,000 deaths in the United States, while saving $24 billion in health costs per year.
The benefit to the U.S. population would be comparable to cutting smoking by 50 percent while significantly lowering obesity rates.
Salt, which contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease, is widely overused in the United States, with 75 to 80 percent coming from processed food. Men typically consume 10.4 grams per day. For women, the average is 7.3 grams. Its use is rising.
Sources:
Reuters January 21, 2010
http://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2010/01/25/Salt-Reduction-Could-Save-Nearly-100000-Lives-Each-Year.aspx
Important Notice: Information provided is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your community pharmacist or physician about any health care questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to health care issues.
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