Scientists warn this common food habit could be ageing your heart & brain faster. Here's who is most likely to do it

A pinch of salt can make almost any meal taste better. But according to health experts, adding too much of it could come at a cost. For centuries, salt has been used to flavour and preserve food. Today, however, excessive salt consumption is linked to a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease and even faster cognitive decline. To reduce these risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults consume no more than five grams of salt per day.

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Now, a new study has revealed which older adults are most likely to add extra salt to their meals. According to a ScienceDaily report, researchers in Brazil found that older men are more likely than women to reach for the saltshaker at the dining table.

Salt Consumption Study Finds Men Add More Salt To Food

As cited in ScienceDaily, the study was published in Frontiers in Public Health and examined the eating habits of more than 8,300 Brazilians aged 60 and above.

Researchers wanted to understand who was most likely to add extra salt to food after it had already been prepared. While processed and packaged foods account for a large portion of daily salt intake, adding salt at the table can still contribute between 6% and 20% of total consumption.

The findings showed that 12.7% of men regularly added extra salt to their meals compared with 9.4% of women.

According to the researchers, this habit remains relatively common among older adults despite growing awareness of the health risks associated with excessive salt intake.

Why Too Much Salt Can Be Harmful To Your Health

Health experts have warned for years about the dangers of consuming too much salt.

High sodium intake can increase blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder over time. This can raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.

Research has also linked excessive salt consumption to kidney problems because the kidneys must work harder to remove excess sodium from the body.

Some studies even suggest that a high-salt diet may contribute to cognitive decline as people age.

That is why reducing salt intake remains a major public health goal worldwide.

Older Men Living Alone More Likely To Add Extra Salt

One of the most interesting findings from the study involved living arrangements.

As reported by ScienceDaily, older men who lived alone were significantly more likely to add extra salt to their meals than men who lived with other people.

Researchers found that men living alone were 62% more likely to have the habit of adding salt at the table.

The authors suggested that social and lifestyle factors may play a role in food choices and seasoning habits among older adults.

High Blood Pressure Diet Reduced Salt-Adding Habits In Men

The study also found one factor that appeared to discourage men from adding extra salt.

Men who were following a special diet to manage high blood pressure were less than half as likely to add salt compared with those who were not following such a diet.

This finding highlights the impact that medical advice and dietary interventions can have on everyday eating habits.

It also suggests that awareness of health risks may encourage some people to make healthier choices at mealtimes.

Women's Salt-Adding Habits Linked To Broader Lifestyle Factors

While men were more likely overall to add extra salt, the study found that women's behaviour was influenced by a wider range of factors.

According to the ScienceDaily report, researchers observed that women's salt-adding habits were connected to several dietary and social characteristics.

The team examined variables including education, income, living conditions, urban or rural residence and consumption of fruits, vegetables and ultra-processed foods.

Researchers concluded that women's relationship with salt appeared to be more closely linked to broader lifestyle and dietary patterns than men's.

Researchers Explain The Salt Consumption Findings

As cited by ScienceDaily, first author Dr. Flávia Brito of Rio de Janeiro State University said that adding salt at the table remains a relatively common habit among older Brazilian adults and occurs more frequently among men than women.

Co-author Dr. Débora Santos noted that women's salt-adding behaviour was associated with a wider range of social and dietary characteristics.

The researchers believe these differences could help public health officials design more targeted nutrition campaigns in the future.

What The Study Means For Everyday Eating Habits

The findings serve as a reminder that small daily habits can have a significant impact on long-term health.

Many people focus on obvious sources of salt such as crisps, ready meals and processed foods. However, routinely adding extra salt at the table can quietly increase sodium intake without much thought.

For older adults in particular, reducing unnecessary salt consumption could help support heart health, blood pressure management and overall wellbeing.

Simple changes such as using herbs, spices, lemon juice or other seasonings can add flavour without increasing sodium levels.

Salt Intake And Healthy Ageing: The Bigger Picture

As populations around the world continue to age, understanding eating habits becomes increasingly important.

The Brazilian study provides valuable insights into who is most likely to add extra salt to meals and why those habits may develop.

While the research focused on older adults in Brazil, its message has broader relevance. Paying attention to salt consumption remains one of the simplest steps people can take to protect their health.

The next time you instinctively reach for the saltshaker, it may be worth asking whether your meal really needs it.