According to Gram Research analysis, about 1 in 10 older Brazilian adults add salt to their food at the table, with men doing this significantly more than women (12.7% vs. 9.4%). People not managing their blood pressure were more than twice as likely to add salt, while women who skipped fruits and vegetables were 68-81% more likely to salt their food. This habit is changeable through dietary improvements and blood pressure management.
A large study of over 8,000 Brazilian seniors found that about 1 in 10 people add extra salt to their food at the table—a habit linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. Men were more likely to salt their food than women, especially if they weren’t managing their blood pressure or lived alone. Women who didn’t eat enough fruits and vegetables were also more likely to add salt. The research shows that public health campaigns need different approaches for men and women to help older adults eat less salt and stay healthier.
Key Statistics
A cross-sectional analysis of 8,336 Brazilian adults aged 60+ found that 12.7% of men and 9.4% of women add salt to food at the table, with men significantly more likely to engage in this behavior.
Among older Brazilian men, those not following a high blood pressure diet were 2.44 times more likely to add salt at the table, and men living alone had a 62% higher likelihood of this habit compared to those living with others.
In older Brazilian women, those not consuming fruits were 81% more likely to add salt at the table, and those not consuming vegetables were 40% more likely, suggesting diet quality strongly influences this behavior.
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 8,336 Brazilian older adults found that ultra-processed food consumption and urban living were significantly associated with adding salt at the table, particularly among women.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether older Brazilian adults add salt to their food at the table and what factors influence this habit
- Who participated: 8,336 people aged 60 and older living in Brazil who answered questions about their eating habits in 2017-2018
- Key finding: About 1 in 10 older adults add salt at the table, with men doing it more than women (12.7% vs. 9.4%). People not managing their blood pressure and those eating few fruits and vegetables were much more likely to salt their food.
- What it means for you: If you’re an older adult who adds salt at the table, especially if you have high blood pressure, cutting back could help protect your heart and health. This habit is changeable, particularly if you eat more fruits and vegetables and follow a blood pressure-friendly diet.
The Research Details
Researchers looked at eating habit information from a large national survey of Brazilian households conducted in 2017-2018. They focused on people aged 60 and older and asked whether they added salt to food at the table. They then compared this habit to other information about the people, like their age, gender, where they lived, their weight, and what kinds of foods they ate. This type of study, called cross-sectional, takes a snapshot of a population at one point in time rather than following people over years.
The researchers used statistical methods to figure out which factors were most strongly connected to the salt-adding habit. They looked separately at men and women because the patterns were different between genders. They adjusted their analysis to account for other factors that might influence the results, making the findings more reliable.
Understanding why people add salt at the table is important because this habit directly increases daily salt intake, which is a major risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke—especially in older adults. By identifying which groups are most likely to add salt and what factors influence this behavior, public health officials can design better education campaigns and interventions tailored to specific populations.
This study used data from a large, nationally representative survey, which means the findings likely reflect the broader population of Brazilian older adults. The large sample size (over 8,000 people) makes the results more reliable. However, because it’s a cross-sectional study, it shows associations but cannot prove that one factor directly causes another. The study is published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication.
What the Results Show
The study found that adding salt at the table was significantly more common in men than women—about 12.7% of men did this compared to 9.4% of women. For men, two main factors stood out: those not following a diet to manage high blood pressure were more than twice as likely to add salt, and men living alone had a 62% higher chance of adding salt compared to those living with family or others.
For women, the pattern was more complex. Women not managing their blood pressure were 68% more likely to add salt. Women who didn’t eat fruits were 81% more likely to add salt, and those who didn’t eat vegetables were 40% more likely. Women who ate a lot of ultra-processed foods and those living in cities were also significantly more likely to add salt at the table.
These differences between men and women suggest that health campaigns need to address different motivations and circumstances. For men, living situation and blood pressure management seem most important. For women, overall diet quality—especially fruit and vegetable intake—appears to play a bigger role.
The research revealed that urban living was associated with higher salt-adding behavior in women, possibly reflecting different food cultures or access to processed foods in cities. The strong connection between not eating fruits and vegetables and adding salt suggests that people with generally poor diets may be more likely to rely on salt for flavor. The finding that people not following blood pressure diets were much more likely to add salt indicates that awareness of health conditions doesn’t automatically change eating habits.
Previous research has shown that adding salt at the table is a strong predictor of overall salt intake and is linked to high blood pressure. This study adds important detail by showing that the behavior differs significantly between men and women and is influenced by specific dietary and social factors. It supports earlier findings that discretionary salt use (salt added during cooking or at the table) is a key target for reducing sodium intake in populations.
This study shows associations but cannot prove cause and effect—for example, we can’t say that living alone causes men to add more salt, only that these two things are connected. The study relied on people reporting their own eating habits, which may not be completely accurate. The research was conducted in Brazil, so results may not apply to older adults in other countries with different food cultures. The study was done in 2017-2018, so some patterns may have changed since then.
The Bottom Line
If you’re an older adult who adds salt at the table, especially if you have high blood pressure, try to reduce this habit gradually. Start by using salt-free seasonings like herbs, spices, lemon juice, or vinegar instead. Eat more fruits and vegetables, which naturally contain less sodium and can make food taste good without added salt. If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s recommended diet plan. These changes have strong evidence supporting their benefit for heart health. Confidence level: High for people with high blood pressure; Moderate for general population.
This research is most relevant to older adults (60+), particularly those with high blood pressure or at risk for heart disease. Men living alone and women with poor fruit and vegetable intake should pay special attention. Public health officials and healthcare providers working with older populations should use these findings to design better education programs. Family members and caregivers of older adults can help by supporting dietary changes.
Reducing salt intake can lower blood pressure within weeks to a few months, though the full benefits for heart health develop over longer periods. Breaking the habit of adding salt at the table typically takes 4-8 weeks of consistent effort, as taste preferences gradually adjust to lower-salt foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some older adults add salt to their food at the table?
Research shows multiple factors influence this habit: not managing high blood pressure, living alone (especially for men), eating few fruits and vegetables, consuming ultra-processed foods, and living in urban areas. These factors suggest both health awareness gaps and overall diet quality play roles.
Is adding salt at the table bad for your health?
Yes, adding salt at the table increases daily sodium intake, which raises blood pressure and increases risk of heart disease and stroke—especially concerning for older adults. A study of 8,336 seniors found this habit was most common among those not managing high blood pressure.
How can I stop adding salt to my food?
Replace salt with herbs, spices, lemon juice, or vinegar for flavor. Eat more fruits and vegetables, which taste good without added salt. If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s diet plan. Most people adjust to lower-salt foods within 4-8 weeks as taste preferences change.
Do men and women add salt differently?
Yes, research shows men add salt more often than women (12.7% vs. 9.4%). Men’s behavior is most influenced by blood pressure management and living alone, while women’s is more connected to overall diet quality, especially fruit and vegetable intake.
Can eating more fruits and vegetables help reduce salt cravings?
Research suggests yes. A study of older Brazilian adults found women who didn’t eat fruits were 81% more likely to add salt, indicating that better overall diet quality reduces reliance on salt for flavor. Fruits and vegetables naturally taste good without added sodium.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily salt-adding occasions: record each time you add salt at the table, note what food you’re eating, and what alternative seasoning you could use instead. Set a goal to reduce instances by 50% over 4 weeks.
- Use the app to log salt-free seasoning alternatives you enjoy (specific herbs, spices, or condiments). Create a reminder to try one new salt-free flavor combination daily. Track fruit and vegetable servings, as increasing these naturally reduces reliance on salt for flavor.
- Weekly review of salt-adding frequency and identify patterns (certain foods, times of day, emotional triggers). Monthly check-in on blood pressure if you have a home monitor. Track taste preference changes as your palate adjusts to lower salt over 6-8 weeks.
This research describes associations between salt-adding habits and various factors in older Brazilian adults but does not establish direct cause-and-effect relationships. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual responses to dietary changes vary, and some people may need medication in addition to dietary modifications to manage blood pressure effectively.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.