Less Salt Decreases Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke

Cutting our salt intake could cut the number of U.S. heart attacks and strokes by 155,000, recent research shows. Decreasing salt intake can decrease the high blood pressure associated with heart attacks and strokes. The average U.S. male consumes 10 grams of salt a day which adds up to 8 pounds of salt a year. Women consume just a little less, about 7 grams of sodium a day. A study conducted by medical researchers at the University of California-San Francisco showed that reducing sodium consumption by just 3 grams per day significantly decreased an individual's risk of stroke or heart attack.

By extrapolating study data across the U.S. population, researchers said decreasing sodium intake by 3 grams per day could decrease the number of heart attacks nationwide by 11% and reduce strokes by 4%. National health care costs could be reduced by $10 billion to $24 billion.

As much as 80% of the salt consumed by Americans comes from prepared and restaurant foods where salt is used to enhance flavor. To live a healthier life, study authors recommend preparing more meals at home, buying low-sodium foods at the grocery and adding less salt at the table.