The human
body needs only very small amounts of both Sodium and Chloride.
However,
higher intakes of sodium chloride contribute to serious health problems, such
as high blood pressure which increases the risk of serious cardiovascular
diseases. In most countries, the per capita consumption of salt is known to be
far too high compared with what is required by the body to function properly.
For instance, the average consumption in European countries is 10 grams of
regular salt per day per person
Thus, it is
evident from the recommendations by doctors and health organizations that
sodium chloride intake needs to be reduced in order to limit the negative
impact on the cardiovascular system.