02.Health risks
It’s estimated we currently munch through twice the daily suggested dietary target for salt (1600mg), despite the significant health risks. High blood pressure (anything approaching around 140 over 90) and cardiovascular disease are two risk factors associated with a high-salt diet. In fact, even with fairly low blood pressure, the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure will increase with a raise in blood pressure.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is Australia’s biggest killer and the second-largest contributor to our burden of disease after cancer. CVDs have a highly preventable and treatable group of diseases risk factors – one being high blood pressure. Experts in Britain say a 10% reduction in their overall salt consumption has already saved over 6,000 lives a year.