We all know that too much salt in the diet coupled with too little activity can lead to high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Now, new research shows that excessive salt intake and lack of exercise is bad for the brain – OMG, I love salt!!! Researchers from the Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care at the University of Toronto found that people who consumed high levels of salt in their diet, and engaged in practically zero amount of exercise, had poor cognitive function. Those who ate just a little salt had higher levels of activity were much better off in the mental department!
The study also found that sedentary adults with low salt intake showed no decline in cognitive function over the three year study.
The study was published in the journal Neurology of Aging. Almost five million Americans currently suffer with some form of dementia, and the number is expected to grow as the Baby Boomer generation ages.
Recommended sodium intake is 2,300 milligrams or less for many, and 1,500 milligrams or less for people over 51 years of age. BTW – this is less than 1tsp.
As well as watching you kitchen table intake, be sure to check the amount in any processed foods that you buy.
Finally if you are a salt girl (like me,) you might want to make sure that you are eating sea salt, rather than regular table salt, as it has a higher nutritional value.
