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- Eat smart
- Why does salty taste so good?
- Do we Germans eat too salty?
- How can salt harm my body?
- Fleur de Sel, Himalayan salt: expensive = healthier?
- How useful is a salt waiver?
Eat smart
We need salt for life. Only: how much of it is good for us? And what amounts hurt? Science knows something new.
The topic of salt is confusing. Although there are numerous studies that warn against the health risks of high salt intake. However, some recent studies deny the salt its harmful effect. What's wrong? Is too much salt dangerous for our health - or are the worries unfounded?
Why does salty taste so good?
Important to know: The desire for salty is not an invention of the Knabberwarenindustrie - it is rather in the cradle. Because we need salt to stabilize the pressure in our blood vessels. In addition, common salt acts as a natural flavor enhancer, which is why well-salted foods often taste better than restrained spicy ones.
Do we Germans eat too salty?
Yes, according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, we consume on average too much table salt. Nutritionists and physicians also give no all-clear and continue to advise salt to enjoy only in moderation.
The recommended maximum amount is 5-6 g per day and is quickly exceeded. Because: We eat a lot of bread, cheese, meat and sausage - and all these foods are salt added in the production. Finished products usually contain more salt, because it often serves as a preservative.
Tip: When shopping, pay attention to the nutritional information on the packaging. Mostly only the sodium content is indicated. Multiply it by 2.5 and you get the saline content.
How can salt harm my body?
Many people are sensitive to too much salt. Common consequence: hypertension. Particularly affected are diabetics, obese people, people with kidney disease and stressed people. The American Institute for Research on Cancer also warns that too much salt can trigger stomach cancer.
Fleur de Sel, Himalayan salt: expensive = healthier?
For our health it is not crucial to buy expensive and exotic salt. A Himalayan salt or a Fleur de Sel consists for the most part of sodium chloride and has no significant amounts of other minerals.
However, those who like to experiment in the kitchen and enjoy new flavors, today can try a whole range of different salts: About wood smoked smoked salt goes well with red meat, vanilla salt gives fish and sauce an individual touch. Incidentally, the mild-salted and crisp crystallines of the handmade sea salt Fleur de Sel are far too good for simple salting - just top it off with already cooked food.
How useful is a salt waiver?
Too much salt harms our body - too little, however. Those who consume less than the recommended minimum of 1.4 grams per day risk a lack of fluids - because the thirst decreases. Older people in particular are at risk because the feeling of thirst subsides in old age. Without sufficient salt intake, they drink even less and risk life-threatening dehydration.
