Is salt really that harmful?
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Excess sodium raises blood pressure in salt-sensitive people and is linked to stroke and heart disease. WHO recommends under 5 g of salt (about 2 g sodium) daily. Most intake comes from processed food, restaurant meals, and pickles rather than the table shaker.
Yes, moderately — salt sensitivity rises with age, and high intake is associated with stroke risk and stomach cancer independent of current blood pressure.
In Indian diets, the main contributors are pickles, papad, namkeen, packaged snacks, processed meats, sauces and restaurant food rather than home cooking.
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