Answer to Question 1
Americans consume far too much of one mineral, sodium usually in the form of salt in processed foods rather than through table salt. They recommend taking in no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) and less than 1,500 mg for persons who are 51 and older and those of any age who are African American or have hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.. Limiting sodium is recommended because as the guidelines caution, a strong body of evidence in adults (and to a lesser extent for children) documents that as sodium intake decreases, so does blood pressure. Higher chronic blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. One of the best ways to reduce sodium intake is to eat less processed foods and more fresh foods.
Answer to Question 2
Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-clotting effects, are protective against heart disease, and reduce heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias (i.e., abnormal heart rhythms), and the risk of sudden cardiac death. In addition, there is evidence that they exert anti-inflammatory effects through, for example, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin 1B, and interleukin-6 . Since inflammation appears to promote chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, then omega-3 fatty acids may play a protective role through their anti-inflammatory properties.
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