Salt is a bigger culprit. It has a detrimental effect on the body when its level of consumption exceeds. It triggers blood pressure, elevates the risk of cancer and can irreversibly damage the health.
A recent study published in the journal Gastric Cancer has shed light on the damaging effect of salt.
The study examined 471,144 United Kingdom Biobank individuals and studied the link between the frequency of salt addition to foods and the risk of developing stomach cancer. "While dietary salt intake has been linked with gastric cancer risk in Asian studies, findings from Western populations are sparse and limited to case—control studies. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of adding salt to food at table in relation to gastric cancer risk among UK adults," the researchers have said.
During a median follow-up period of 10.9 years, the researchers identified a total of 640 gastric cancer cases. Of the several risk factors that increase the chances of cancer in the stomach, one factor is consumption of salt-preserved foods.

Why should "adding salt to food" be changed?

Adding salt to food can impact health significantly, particularly when used excessively. High salt intake is linked to elevated blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Many processed and packaged foods already contain high levels of sodium, making it easy to exceed recommended daily limits without even realizing it. Reducing salt doesn’t just benefit health—it also helps to reset taste preferences over time. Gradually lowering salt intake can help people appreciate the natural flavors of food and reduce the cravings for salty foods. Instead of adding extra salt, enhancing food with herbs, spices, lemon juice, or vinegar offers flavor without the health risks.
For those already managing conditions like hypertension, limiting salt is even more essential. Adjusting habits around salt can be a simple yet powerful step toward better health outcomes, potentially lowering reliance on medication and improving overall well-being. Since small lifestyle changes can have significant impacts, replacing added salt with other flavoring methods could be a key move towards long-term health.