Research

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have updated blood pressure guidelines for the first time since 2017, urging more aggressive control to prevent heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and dementia. Key changes include earlier intervention for systolic levels of 130–139 mm Hg and a new recommendation to abstain from alcohol. Reducing sodium intake is a central lifestyle change, alongside maintaining a healthy weight, following the DASH diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.

A new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center shows that reducing sodium intake can significantly lower your risk of heart disease. Participants who cut sodium saw a nearly 10% drop in their predicted 10-year cardiovascular risk. Pairing sodium reduction with a heart healthy eating plan such as the DASH diet delivered even greater benefits. It’s powerful proof that small, everyday choices like choosing SaltWise can make a big difference for your heart health and overall well-being.

This World Health Organization report highlights the urgent need to reduce sodium intake around the world. It explains how most people are consuming more than twice the recommended amount of sodium and how this contributes to high blood pressure and serious health risks like heart disease and stroke. The report outlines practical steps countries and individuals can take to reduce sodium and improve public health, showing that even small changes can save lives and lower healthcare costs.

A new study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023 found that reducing sodium intake can significantly lower blood pressure in just one week. The trial included over 200 adults ages 50 to 75 and showed that a low-sodium diet reduced systolic blood pressure by 7 to 8 mm Hg in 70 to 75 percent of participants, including those already on blood pressure medication. The blood pressure improvements were comparable to what is typically achieved with medication. Researchers concluded that even short-term sodium reduction has a fast and measurable impact on heart health, and the benefits were consistent across people with both normal and high blood pressure.

Too much regular salt can raise blood pressure and harm your blood vessels. But when researchers tested Salicornia europaea (a naturally salty plant), they found it didn’t cause the same problems. In fact, one of its natural compounds, trans-ferulic acid, helped protect blood vessels and lower blood pressure in animals. This suggests Salicornia could be a healthier alternative to regular salt, especially for people watching their sodium intake.

This study tested swapping some or all of the salt in sauerkraut with Salicornia ramosissima, a naturally salty plant. Researchers made three versions: one with regular salt, one with just Salicornia, and one with a mix of both. The results were exciting. All versions fermented safely and properly. Harmful bacteria disappeared, and good bacteria like probiotics thrived. The versions made with Salicornia had less sodium and more antioxidants than the traditional version.

Salicornia, also known as sea asparagus, is a nutrient-rich plant that grows in salty environments using only seawater. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and may help lower blood pressure, support thyroid health, and fight inflammation. Used in salads, teas, and even as a salt substitute, Salicornia is not only healthy but also eco-friendly. With its many benefits and sustainable growth, it’s earning its place as a true superplant.

Salicornia is a salt-loving plant that’s great for sustainable farming and packed with health benefits. Its seeds provide healthy oil, and it has natural compounds that support heart health and reduce inflammation. It’s also useful for eco-friendly farming, biofuel, and more. Researchers see it as a promising ingredient for food, medicine, cosmetics, and clean energy.

This research looked at Salicornia ramosissima, a gourmet plant enjoyed in parts of Europe, and explored its healthy fat-based nutrients (called lipophilic compounds). Scientists used advanced testing to identify a wide range of beneficial plant compounds, including fatty acids, plant sterols, and alcohols—many of which are known to support heart and metabolic health. Interestingly, when the plant received extra watering, it produced even more of these healthy compounds. This makes Salicornia ramosissima not only a gourmet treat but also a potentially valuable addition to a healthy diet.

This research highlights Salicornia as a powerful, salt-loving plant that grows in tough conditions with little water, making it ideal for sustainable farming. Packed with minerals like iron and magnesium, vitamins A and C, fiber, and over 90 health-boosting plant compounds, Salicornia offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and heart-friendly benefits. It’s gaining popularity as a superfood - used in salads, pickles, and even burgers and its seed oil rivals soy. Salicornia is also the key ingredient in “green salt,” a healthier, low-sodium salt substitute rich in natural minerals.

Excessive sodium intake is a leading contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. To address this, researchers have identified three species of the Salicornia genus—Salicornia bigelovii, S. brachiata, and S. herbacea—as promising natural salt substitutes. Incorporating Salicornia-based salts into the food industry can provide a natural alternative to chemical preservatives, appealing to health-conscious consumers. This shift not only promotes better health outcomes but also supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Valorization of Salicornia patula Duval-Jouve Young Shoots in Healthy and Sustainable Diets The research paper titled "Valorization of Salicornia patula Duval-Jouve Young Shoots in Healthy and Sustainable Diets" was published in the journal Nutrients in 2024. The study focuses on evaluating the nutritional and health benefits of young shoots of Salicornia patula, a halophytic plant commonly found in coastal salt marshes. This study underscores the potential of Salicornia patula as a sustainable and nutritious addition to diets, particularly in regions where salt-tolerant crops are advantageous.