The daily habit of adding salt to your food can have a significant impact on your health and lifespan. A new study has found that excess sodium in your diet increases your risk of premature death by almost 30%.
Scientists analyzed the eating habits of more than 500,000 people, paying particular attention to those who died before the age of 75. The results showed that regularly adding salt to meals increased the risk of early death by 28% compared to those who limited their sodium intake.
For example, men aged 50 who frequently added salt to their food lost an average of 1.5 years of life, while women of the same age lost about 2.28 years.
Dr. Lu Qi, senior author of the study, emphasizes that high sodium levels negatively affect the heart, kidneys and other vital organs. Experts advise maintaining a balance of sodium and potassium, as their imbalance increases blood pressure and harms the heart, eyes, brain and kidneys.
Official medical recommendations advise limiting sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day — about one teaspoon of table salt. Experts advise choosing less processed foods, as most sodium is found in ready-made meals. You can use apple cider or rice vinegar, citrus fruits, and other acidic additives to enhance flavor without harming your health.
Controlling salt intake helps maintain health and increase life expectancy, researchers emphasize.
