Salt. Tiny white granules of flavor. Used in ancient times as a preservative of food. So prized by the Romans that they paid part of their soldiers’ wages in salt (the word salary comes from salarium = payment of salt). Nowadays, salt is so easily obtained and plentiful, it appears on every table.

Salt is the most common flavor enhancer in the modern western diet. But is it good for you? How much is too much?

Some salt consumption is absolutely essential in humans. Salt is an electrolyte and basically acts as a conductor for electrical processes in the body. Salt also regulates the body’s water content. Disturbances in the electrolyte balance can lead to cardiac and neurological problems.

Studies published recently state there is an undeniable correlation between salt consumption and risk of death from coronary disease and stroke. But studies published just a year ago, state the opposite - that lowering salt intake seemed to increase risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

From the researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine - February 2006:

The researchers concluded that people who reported restricting daily salt intake to less than 2,300 milligrams a day were significantly more likely to have died from cardiovascular causes than people who ate more salt, even after adjusting for total calorie intake, age, smoking status, and other known risk factors for heart disease.

From a study led by Nancy Cook of Harvard Medical School - April 2007:

The findings, from a 15-year study, offer the clearest evidence yet that cutting salt consumption saves lives by reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease. People who ate less salty food were found to have a 25 per cent lower risk of cardiac arrest or stroke, and a 20 per cent lower risk of premature death. The results, published in the British Medical Journal, underline the need for population-wide salt reductions in the diet, the scientists conclude.

Who’s right?

I don’t know - do I have a 37% higher chance of dying or a 25% less chance of dying?

The second study, related only to individuals who already had high blood pressure. It is not even known for sure how salt increases blood pressure. Contrasting the two diametrically opposed studies, some researchers have come to the conclusion that salt affects different people differently.

To be safe, I will keep my eye on how quickly the salt shaker empties and needs refilling.

Scientists prove that salty diet costs lives

Low Salt Diet May Not Cut Heart Risk