Replacing salt with another condiment can reduce the risk of hypertension that afflicts many Latinos. New research shows that salt substitutes are also beneficial even for those who do not have hypertension.
Most Americans consume too much salt, about 3,500 milligrams a day, according to the American Heart Association. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that healthy adults consume no more than 2,300 mg (about half a teaspoon) of salt per day. The recommended daily amount of potassium for people 19 years and older is 3,400 mg. for men and 2,600 mg for women.