Salt has its role in the body. It is essential for the functioning of nerves and muscles and for regulating body fluids. Deficiency is rare and occurs in cases of diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, diuretic treatments. In this case, it leads to dehydration, cramps and muscle weakness. Most, however, tend to consume more salt than necessary, which leads to a lot of health problems, says Marilena Oprişanu, personal chef and nutritionist. Excess sodium is deposited in the bones, joints, resulting in rheumatic diseases, water retention in the body, which prevents the normal elimination of toxins. In addition, excess salt in various foods leads to the destruction of enzymes and vitamins in their composition. Here are the properties of the types of salt you can find in stores.
- Himalayan salt. This would be the healthiest. It contains natural iodine, contains over 80 minerals, balances the body’s pH. It has a higher salting power, so you will automatically put less in your food, therefore you will consume less sodium and you will be protected from water retention.
- Sea salt. It also contains minerals, but we need to buy it in the form of crystals to make sure it has not been processed or refined. It differs in appearance from the usual one (extracted from me), but its amount of sodium is not reduced.
- Coarse salt. It is the one that is extracted from the salt mine. We realize that it is natural after the slightly gray color.
- Fine table salt. Through the refining process it loses its minerals. Then, chemical bleaching and processing methods are often used. If it is very white it means it has been processed.
- Iodized salt. If it’s natural, without the addition of synthetic iodine, it’s good. Iodine is needed by the body, helping to form hormones in the thyroid gland.
- Salt never. Just because a salt is never good doesn’t mean it’s better. Many times, producers use all kinds of phrases for purely commercial reasons, says Marilena Oprişanu. “We consume that type of salt only if the doctor recommends it, because iodine deficiency can lead to a lazy metabolism, goiter formation, apathy, dry hair and skin,” explains the nutritionist.
- Dietary salt. Here, sodium is replaced by potassium, but has added citric acid, starch and other stabilizers. It is recommended in hypertension and water retention.
Did you know that …
- By prolonged storage, for example within about 45 days of opening the bag, the iodine in the salt disappears.
- Much of the salt consumed comes from processed foods such as chips, preserves, cheese.
- Salt is added at the end of cooking. If we put it at the beginning, the salt strengthens the vegetables.
- Up to one year, the child is not allowed to consume salt.
- To consume less salt, a trick is to add more lemon juice to the food. Spices also help to give the taste buds the satisfaction of a balanced taste.
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