We just can’t agree whether we need to cut back on salt or not. We’ve already discussed some of the reasons we need salt in our diet (To Pass the Salt or Not). A Journal of the American Medical Association study published this last month surprisingly concluded that too much salt might not raise the risk of cardiovascular disease complications.Adding to the confusion, death rates appeared to be higher in those with lower sodium levels.
Harvard’s School of Public Health calls into question the size of the study, the methodology and the fact that there is some data missing.
The key takeaway here is this: If you make an effort to reduce salt without paying attention to other factors, such as body fat and physical activity, it’s not going to have much effect.
Where do you fall in the great salt debate?