Decades of research have suggested that our sodium habit is killing us via hypertension and heart disease. But other research suggests it's not salt's fault after all. So, which is it?
数十年的研究表明，食用钠盐的习惯可能是导致高血压和心脏病的元凶。但又有些研究暗示，这些病不是吃盐的错。到底，哪个是对的呢?

Salt, it turns out, has not been acting alone. A new study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, implicates potassium, too. Not enough potassium. [Quanhe Yang, et al., "Sodium and Potassium Intake and Mortality Among US Adults"]
一项新的研究发现，钠盐不是单独起作用的，钾盐摄入不足也有影响。这项研究发表在《内科学文献》。[Quanhe Yang, et al., "Sodium and Potassium Intake and Mortality Among US Adults"]

The study surveyed more than 12,000 Americans, and found that both men and women consumed way more sodium and way less potassium than is recommended. And after 15 years, people with the better balance of sodium and potassium were more likely to still be alive.
这项研究调查了超过1万2千名美国人，发现所有人都摄入的钠盐都超过推荐量，而摄入的钾盐却低于推荐量。而钠钾盐摄入平衡的人群，在15年后的存活率高于摄入不平衡的人群。

In whole plants, sodium is scarce and potassium is plentiful. But when foods are processed, that ratio is usually flipped. The two elements have opposite effects on blood vessels: sodium restricts blood flow and potassium helps it. The researchers thus suggest cutting back on salt and taking in more potassium. So forget the chips—a banana is a safer snack for your health. Just watch where you toss the peel.
在绿色植物中，钠的含量较少，而钾的含量相对丰富。但食物在加工的过程中，钠钾盐的比例就会反转。这它们对心血管的作用正好相反：钠盐阻碍血流，钾盐通畅血流。所以，研究者建议少吃钠盐，多吃钾盐。
别再吃薯片了，吃点香蕉才有益于你的健康，但不要乱丢香蕉皮。