Baking, broiling, poaching, and steaming are recommended cooking methods. Eating too much saturated fat is one of the major risk factors for heart disease . A diet high in saturated fat causes a soft, waxy substance called cholesterol to build up in the arteries. Eventually, the arteries harden and narrow, resulting in increased pressure and strain on the heart . Sodium is the mineral that is required by the body to regulate blood pressure and blood volume.
Sodium also assists in the proper functioning of muscles and nerves.
The sodium concentration in the body is maintained by the kidneys, adrenal glands , pituitary gland and other glands. Many factors affect sodium levels, including the steroid hormone aldosterone which decreases loss of sodium in the urine. Water and sodium are interrelated in that, for example, retention of increased sodium is followed by retention of fluid and vice versa. Sodium-sensitive individuals may experience high blood pressure from excess amounts of sodium in the diet. The American Heart Association has developed specific guidelines for sodium intake.