High Blood Pressure and the 'Salt Tooth'

For many suffering from hypertension, recent research shows that their "salt tooth" may be the culprit. 

Research conducted by the University of Sao Paolo, Brazil, expresses the importance of reducing high blood pressure levels with the help of medicine, exercise and in particular, diet.

Lead study author Patricia Villela of the university examined 118 participants who were divided into four groups. Two of the groups were made up of participants in their 70s with normal or elevated blood pressure levels, while the other two groups were made up of those in their 30s with either normal or elevated levels.

Researchers offered all participants three different types of French bread with varying levels of salt. For the younger participants, healthier individuals typically chose the "lightly salted" bread option, while older and healthier individuals chose the "medium salty" bread option. The unhealthy participants in both groups were more likely to pick the "highly salted" bread.

The second part of the study offered participants three bread options with the same varying levels of salt. However, the bread was also seasoned with oregano. Researchers found that for this portion of the experiment, all participants picked the bread option with the least salt.

"It is important to know that alternative spices could reduce sodium [salt] intake and potentially lower blood pressure," Dr. William White, current president of the American Society of Hypertension (ASH), said according to Health Day.

More information regarding the findings was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hypertension in New York City.