Although scientists have long known that high salt intake may lead to cardiovascular disease, it is only now that we are learning about some of the mechanisms behind the phenomenon.

A team of German, Finnish and Austrian researchers has discovered a new “storage area” for salt in the body – within the skin.

In laboratory tests, they noticed that a high-salt diet in rats leads to the accumulation of salt in the interstitium in the skin, a process that is regulated by white blood cells called the macrophages.

They then showed that when these macrophages are depleted or the gene that controls their production is absent, the animals are not able to “store their salt” and become hypertensive.

Scientists have long argued that low-sodium diets are healthier, and this study provides yet another proof of that.

Other diet regimes recommended by health practitioners include the alkaline diet which is rich in citrus fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts and legumes, and has the added benefit of boosting bone health into old age.

Nutritional health supplements, in particular those containing fish oil, regular exercise and anti-stress therapies such as massages and reflexology, have also been proven to reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.