A sprinkle of salt enhances any meal, and chips are irresistibly crunchy. But there's a compelling reason to watch your intake.
Research from Amsterdam UMC, highlighted by the Heart Foundation, shows that high salt consumption intensifies body-wide inflammation and accelerates arteriosclerosis.
Read also: 'Tips to eat less salt'
For the first time, scientists have proven salt directly promotes inflammation. "This could worsen arteriosclerosis—a chronic inflammatory condition in blood vessel walls that heightens risks of heart attacks and strokes," the researchers told De Telegraaf.
Research
Healthy volunteers followed either a low-salt or high-salt diet. The high-salt group saw blood pressure rise and more white blood cells accumulate in skin tissue, fueling inflammatory responses.
