Research suggests that replacing regular salt with salt substitutes could lower blood pressure and protect against heart conditions, stroke and death. .<br />'The Guardian' reports that high consumption of salt drives up blood pressure, which can lead to poor cardiovascular health and a risk of early death.<br />Research published in the journal <br />'Heart' suggests that salt substitutes <br />could reduce those risks.<br />Results from 21 clinical trials, involving approximately 32,000 people, showed reduced blood pressure regardless of age, sex, weight and blood-pressure related factors.<br />“Salt substitutes produce consistent blood pressure-lowering effects across geographies and diverse participant subsets,” the researchers write.<br />A smaller analysis showed that salt substitutes could also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and early death from any cause by as much as 11%.<br />In the same study, the risk of developing, cardiovascular disease, was reduced by 13%.<br />This research is a helpful reminder to <br />cut the amount of salt we have in our <br />diets and to look for alternatives, Tracy Parker, BHF heart health dietitian, via 'The Guardian'.<br />While low salt substitutes have less <br />sodium than regular salt, they still contain <br />potassium which may not be suitable <br />for some people with a heart problem <br />and other existing health conditions, Tracy Parker, BHF heart health dietitian, via 'The Guardian'.<br />If you want to look after your health, <br />it’s better to just eat less salt. <br />Using different herbs and spices <br />when cooking is a great way <br />to add flavor and replace salt, Tracy Parker, BHF heart health dietitian, via 'The Guardian'
