Salt is ‘natural mood-booster’

Scientists suggest we may add extra salt to our food because it boosts our mood, even though we know too much is bad for us.

University of Iowa researchers writing in Psychology and Behavior say salt may act as a natural antidepressant.

But experts warn eating too much salt is linked to high blood pressure.

The body needs sodium - which along with chloride makes up salt - to function, but having too much and raising blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.

The UK’s Food Standards Agency says the average adult should eat no more than 6g of salt a day