London, July 29 (ANI): Experts have revealed that a modest reduction in the amount of salt we eat can lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
According to them, cutting down our daily salt intake by just 2g can cut our chances of cardiovascular events by up to 20 per cent.
Earlier study from Exeter University claimed there was no strong evidence to prove the benefits of a reduction in salt in your diet, prompting reports that salt had little or no effect on the chance of suffering strokes or heart attacks.
But a reanalysis of the same data has shown that there is indeed a significant benefit to be had from limiting the amount of salt we eat.
The figures add to the "already overwhelming" evidence that salt is the chief cause that raises blood pressure, which in turn is the largest cause of stroke, heart attacks and heart failure, experts stated.
"Contrary to the claims by [Exeter scientists] and many press headlines, these new results, along with all the other evidence, clearly demonstrate that a reduction in the whole of the UK population and worldwide, is immensely important," the Telegraph quoted Prof Graham MacGregor as saying in the Lancet journal.
Professor Francesco Cappuccio, of Warwick University, explained: "The more you reduce your salt intake, the more the blood pressure falls.
"Anything that can allow us to reduce blood pressure by a little ... will significantly prevent cardiovascular disease," he said
Cappuccio added reducing daily salt intake from 8.6g to 6g could help prevent cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.
The recommended daily allowance of salt is 4g, but nutritionists say the body needs less than 1g each day to function properly. (ANI)
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