So what are the long-term consequences for our health—and why is there so much salt in our diet? Salt has long been considered a magical substance. In Ancient Rome, it was considered so important to health that a soldier’s pay included a special allowance which had to be spent on salt. In the chilly climes of northern Europe, before the development of refrigeration, salt provided one of the few ways of preserving foods to get families through the winter. And it is well known that a small amount—a tiny amount—is vital for our bodies to function properly, to keep nerve pathways working and maintain our muscles. But in a culture hooked on convenience, processed food, 90% of the population is heavily overdosing on salt which they probably don’t even realise is in there.