6. Ratchet Up Fruits & Veggies

Even if you’re having trouble ditching the salt shaker, do try including lots of fruits and vegetables at meals. Research confirms that eating potassium-rich foods (most types of produce sport generous amounts of this mineral) actually helps blunt the impact of sodium by reducing blood pressure and dilating arteries. If you really want to neutralize some of sodium’s damaging impact, reach for these high potassium all-stars frequently: oranges, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, dried apricots, melon, and kidney beans.

Cooking tip: Roasting carrots, eggplant, tomatoes or any vegetable with a splash of olive oil and a grind of fresh pepper can result in rich-flavored side dishes that don’t need salt.

View Recipe: Roasted Root Vegetables with Sorghum and Cider