A new study concludes that 500,000 American lives could be saved if people ate a fraction of a teaspoon less salt every day.

The study found that a gradual decrease in salt intake over a decade would prolong those lives by decreasing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Americans consume on average, 3,600 milligrams of sodium a day. By contrast, the CDC recommendation is 1,500 milligrams.

About 80 percent of Americans’ sodium intake comes from salt in commercially prepared and packaged food.