7 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Salt- is it a good substance or a bad one? That is a question that crosses a lot of minds. Salt is about 40% sodium by weight. Salt just like all substances can be good or bad. The best thing is to be moderate and not intake to much salt each day. What is salt used for? Salt is the world's oldest food additive. People use many salts in food processing, cooking or at the table. Salt not only gives food a "salty" taste but it also brings out natural flavors and makes food acceptable. Salt also makes the food safer protecting it from the growth of microorganisms. This is called preservation. Salt creates a hostile environment for microorganisms, which makes it harder for them to grow. Salt content in food is found in two ways- the natural salt already in the food and the salt added to food. Salt is great way of preserving food. I the days of explorers such as Christopher Columbus they added salt to food to preserve it on their long voyages. Today, we don't have a need to preserve our food, but in order to preserve their food, canned food companies still add a lot of salt Our bodies need salt in the way that it helps us regulate blood volume and pressure. Slat also helps keep our muscles and nerves in top-top shape. Although it may be helpful in some ways to much salt can also be harmful. Salt is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and heart attacks. This is because sodium thickens the blood. As a result of sodium's ability to retain water, it is linked to obesity. Water retention will accumulate in the ankles and midsection and will be mistakenly thought of as fat. Those who practice medicine agree that no more than 1 teaspoons salt or 2400 milligrams of salt should be consumed each day. Drugs can contain large amounts of salt especially, over the counter drugs. Some drug companies are now manufacturing low-sodium drugs due to customer demand.. They must also print the sodium content on the label. Sodium is not only found a salt. Spices also contain salt. It is important to read labels to check the amount of salt in spices although it is usually a small amount. Indicators of salt on labels can be written as Na, Sodium, or Soda. When in restaurants you should ask them not to add salt to your food. Other ways to keep salt out of your diet is by learning how to enjoy the natural taste of meals, choose fresh vegetables rather than those that are canned, and rinse canned foods or frozen vegetables well before cooking. You can also look for unsalted beans, lentils, peas, and seeds; choose low-sodium, low fat cheese and milk; and don't cook vegetables in the same water that came in the can. Eating less fast food is also a good way to cut down on salt. After all, salt is a main ingredient at many fast food restaurants. Cutting down on salt doesn't mean your food will be bland. There are plenty of ways to be salt-smart and still enjoy what you eat.

Learn more about this author, Thao Nguyen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Salt intake in the diet?
We want to hear your view. Write now!