The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines urging adults to consume less salt and include a minimum amount of potassium in their diets.
In a statement released Thursday, the WHO says adults should consume less than two grams of sodium or fewer than five grams of salt each day. It also recommends a minimum of 3.5 grams of potassium as part of a daily diet.
The international health body says the recommendations are part of an effort to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
The WHO says sodium is found naturally in foods including milk, cream and eggs, and is present in much higher amounts in processed foods such as bacon and snack foods.
Potassium-rich foods include beans, nuts and vegetables and fruits such as spinach and bananas.