Does the body need salt?

Asked by: Phoebe Yates, Grantham

We can’t survive without it. It’s crucial for our nervous system to function, our muscles to contract and relax, and for maintaining fluid balance. However, the amount that we need is actually very small: less than a quarter of a teaspoon a day. Almost all of us consume more than that, and exceeding 6g (a teaspoon) per day could be harmful if you’re at risk of, or have, high blood pressure. The best way of reducing salt intake is to eat less processed food.

Read more:

• How much of the human body is salt?
• Why does salt have antibacterial properties?

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