How Salt Affects the Human Body

Have you heard anything about the benefits of salt to our body? The only exception is probably sea salt (and that for external use in the form of hot baths).

A lot of controversy surrounds the usefulness of sodium. Lack of it can cause hyponatremia, a serious illness. Many people assume that a salt-free diet can lead to the disease. But in fact, the main reason for the lack of sodium in the blood is an excess of fluid in the body.

Salt is probably one of the oldest food additives that enhances the taste of food. Once you get used to salty foods, you can no longer enjoy first and second courses without salt. Their taste seems bland, empty. Since it has been used since ancient times, perhaps salt is not so destructive to us now?

Types of Food Salt

There are over a dozen different kinds of dietary salt. They all differ in the degree of saltiness, grind and color. Let's take a look at the most interesting options:

Pink

Rock salt is pale pink, non-uniform shade. It has large granules. Often referred to as Himalayan - after the deposit. The salt is less salty and environmentally friendly. Many amateurs believe that it is exceptionally useful for the body.

Black

Kostroma black salt contains carbon, which has the properties of a sorbent. Such salt is used for detoxification of the body and purification of the skin.

Salt flakes

Cooking salt for restaurants. Due to its texture, it is added to dishes in smaller quantities, so consumption is significantly reduced. Flakes are formed in the process of extraction and special processing of salt by boiling.

Effects of salt on the body

The recommended amount of salt per day that we can consume is 5 grams. Not only pure salt, but also sauces, ketchup and mayonnaise as well as packaged and ready-to-eat foods should be taken into account. The amount of salt in them is actually not always accurately listed on the label, so it is impossible to control.

In fact, we eat 2 to 3 times more, without thinking about the consequences of such a diet. Add to that daily stress, fatigue, bad habits, and dangerous cholesterol. Too many factors make our health worse, shortening our average life expectancy.

In adequate amounts, salt:

• maintains water-salt balance;
• replenishes electrolytes;
• saturates with sodium.

Abuse of salt and salty foods causes:

Accumulation in the body.

Until now, scientists were of the opinion that salt is completely eliminated from the body. But recent studies have proven that it accumulates with age and affects our immune system.

Harm to the cardiovascular system

The link between salt and blood pressure is undeniable. Excessive consumption of salt is detrimental to the work of the heart and blood vessels. It can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Men who eat little plant foods, eat fatty, spicy and salty foods, and have bad habits are at risk.

Water retention

It has long been a well-known fact that the abuse of salty foods makes us swollen. It also causes swelling of our internal organs, which interferes with their normal functioning.

Addiction

Like sugar, salt is like a drug that makes us addicted. Give it up every day is becoming more and more difficult. Many people don't even notice how they try to put salt in every dish at a café or restaurant.

"Salt burn" of the body.

This is a new term now often used by nutritionists. "Salt burn" occurs when a person who eats large quantities of salty foods eventually loses their sense of proportion. The food seems unsalted or not salted at all.

There simply cannot be a complete rejection of salt intake. Almost all foods, except those of vegetable origin, contain sodium chloride. Bread products, cornflakes, pizza, and prepared meat products are saturated with this substance. Our traditional dishes rich in salt can also include pickles. As a result, two extra glasses of salt a month instead of the proper half a glass.