Dieters warned of heart disease danger
Sodium in salt is known to narrow arteries and raise blood pressure, whereas potassium is believed to counteract these effects. Someone with a high salt and low potassium intake is likely to consume a generally less healthy diet. Processed food contains added salt, while fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium.
Victoria Taylor, from the British Heart Foundation, said: "The importance of reducing sodium to help lower our risk of cardiovascular disease through reductions in blood pressure is well known, but the role of potassium is less so."