It has been scientifically proven that excessive salt consumption increases blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular problems. A new study has quantified this link, sending a clear and unambiguous message to the public.

Analyzing data from healthy adults in China, the authors of the study (funded by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research) estimated that just one gram less in daily intake could prevent 9 million strokes and heart attacks by 2030. With 4 million of these cases potentially fatal, a simple measure could save many lives.

In China, the average daily salt intake is 11 grams, which is significantly higher than the 5 grams recommended by the World Health Organization. The researchers compared recent statistics on population, salt intake, blood pressure and disease rates.

“Previous estimates of the impact of salt reduction in China used either outdated or uncertain data sources and did not take into account the long-term effects of salt reduction on blood pressure over many years,” the authors wrote in the journal article. “BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health”.

Two other scenarios indicate a doubling of deaths that could be avoided if intake were reduced to 3.2 g/day by 2025 and to the recommended level of 5 g/day by 2030.

The authors also suggested other related benefits, although they only looked at cardiovascular disease. For example, excessive salt intake is associated with certain types of cancer (mainly stomach) and various kidney problems (lithiasis), in addition to increased heart muscle and osteoporosis.

Sources: Science Alert, webMD.

You may also be interested in:

• Nutrition and health: popular myths about “healthy” nutrition, debunked by experts