Consuming several grammes of salt a day could be a recipe for disaster according to the the World Health Organisation (WHO) warnings.

In new WHO guidelines aimed at regulating salt consumption, the world health body says taking more than a tablespoon (or five grammes) of salt a day could lead to health problems like high blood pressure or sometimes heart failure.

Salt, according to the WHO, is measured in milligrams (mg) and doctors recommend an intake of not more than 2,300mg or five grammes a day for an adult not exceeding two grammes for children.

Dr. Francesco Branca, the director of WHO’s department of nutrition for health and development says a person who consumes a high amount of salt could be at risk of raised blood pressure which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Elevated blood pressure is a major risk for heart disease and stroke – the number one cause of death and disability globally. Children who over consume salts often become adults with high blood pressure. This follows scientific findings that show that reducing sodium intake significantly reduced blood pressure in adults and children.

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