Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death worldwide – and mostly due to high blood pressure. Global data now shows that the use of dietary salts has a positive effect on blood pressure. This significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Less sodium, more potassium – according to a recent study in the British Medical Journal, this is the key to fewer cardiovascular diseases. Because in diet salts, part of the conventional salt (sodium chloride – NaCl) is replaced by potassium chloride (KCl), which results in a reduction in blood pressure.
21 studies compared
Almost a year ago, a Chinese study was published that showed a reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease when subjects used dietary salts. Xuejun Yin from the George Institute for Global Health and her team are now investigating whether the results of the study apply to the whole world.
In order to obtain meaningful data, the scientists compared 21 studies from around the world. Result: If the subjects used dietary salts, an average of eleven percent fewer heart attacks and strokes occurred. General cardiovascular diseases decreased by 13 percent.
As another study conducted by Liffert Vogt from the Amsterdam University Medical Centers showed a few weeks ago, diet salts do not necessarily have to be used for better heart health.
According to Vogt, increased potassium intake from fruit and vegetables can balance out excess sodium and also lower blood pressure. Because the potassium in the food leads to a greater excretion of the sodium salts in the urine.
Source: Nachrichten
