The Hub That Time Forgot - "Let's Halt The Salt"
Salt is a chemical compound made of sodium and chloride which has been very important to us for thousands of years. As far back as 6050 BC salt has played an important part in our lives, and was in general use long before history was ever recorded. Salt can be found in many Biblical references, and is used as a metaphor in the Bible. There are 32 different references to salt in the Bible, with the most familiar being the story of Lot’s wife being turned into a pillar of salt. There was a time when a tax was imposed on salt in numerous countries around the world, but today it has largely lost its importance. The Latin origin of the word salary is derived from Roman legionnaires who were paid in salt. Many of Napoleon's troops died during the French retreat from Moscow due to the result of salt deficiency. Salt played prominent roles in determining the power and location of some of the world's great cities. Now a days it has became more profitable to sell salted food than just pure salt.
The title is more than just a rhyme in this hub, it's a lesson in healthy eating. I wanted to take a small moment and discuss something important here. This is all about taking care of ourselves. Salt certainly enhances our food, and adds to the taste as well. We all need some salt in our diet, but too much raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other serious health problems. According to experts, virtually all Americans and others consume more sodium, primarily in the form of salt than they need.
Here are 12 ways to reduce your intake:
1) Eat more fresh foods than processed foods.
2) Try to cook at home where you can control the flow of salt on your foods.
3) Cut the salt in recipes to 1/4 to 1/2 the amount and be sure to taste the food before adding more salt.
4) Flavor your foods with herbs, and spices rather than salt.
5) Consider alternate choices to salt like garlic, oregano, basil, pepper, thyme, and sesame.
6) Lemon juice is another good alternative to using salt.
7) Limit your use of condiments that are heavy in salt or choose low salt versions. These versions include soy sauce, dips, ketchup, mustard, and relish.
8) Keep the salt shaker off of the kitchen table.
9) Always check nutrition facts labels when food shopping, and choose options low in sodium.
10) If buying canned foods such as vegetables or fish, then select those with no salt added.
11) When eating out ask that salt not to be added to your food, or order low sodium options if they are available.
12) Remember that salt is an acquired taste, and lower your intake gradually until having less salt becomes more natural for you.
Until now it's not your fault if you haven't been taught how to halt the salt!
Do you plan on reducing your salt intake in the future?
Stay tuned for my next hub on "Why we cut our pickles in half"
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Comments
I did what I said and didn't put the salt shaker on the table and as soon as my husband sat down he said, "where's the salt?" lol I knew he would so I asked him to see if he can eat with out it since I already put salt in the food. He tried but I guess he's too used to the salt on the food. I'll have to try something else.
This is very interesting, and the fact going back to 6050 b c Do you think anyone, at that time, realized that salt would harm our health, if used so much? Just a thought, because I would always wonder how they seasoned their food way back. But anyway, you have very valuable info about not eating so much salt.
I especially agree with # 8, keeping the salt shaker on the table. I find that my husband and I just automatically just reach for it because it's there. The next time we have dinner, I'm gong to take it away from the table and see if he asks for it. It's worth a try. Thanks for this hub.
Blessings to you and your family.
Nice health hub, HoleStory!
Great information for health. It is really true that we have to be careful with our salt intake.
I used to know a woman who loved salt so much, she had to see it "glisten" on her food in order to eat. Once the salt had dissolved, she added more! I am not fond of salt and never was, thank goodness.
Salt is essential for the body. It helps the body regulate many things including blood clotting when injured and how much we sweat (helps with the body's cooling mechanism). It is also beneficial that it helps raise blood pressure (for those with low blood pressure)
You're right to reduce your salt (we probably eat too much of it) but here in NZ there is no natural Iodine in the soil and according to the Doctors the best way to get it is through Table Salt.
I find that spices help, although there is nothing like salty McDonalds French fries. Great hub with useful suggestions.
Great hub. I use Mrs Dash's table blend for seasoning and that cuts down on the salt. Good hub
One thing to be careful of is that table salt often has iodine added which essential for keeping goiters in check. If you're going to eliminate salt from you diet then make sure you get the iodine from another source. Enjoyed the hub
Great article and reminder to cut back when and where you can. I actually try now to reduce salt intake. Health wise I do not need to, but better to cut back now, rather than wait for a problem.
Reducing salt intake is difficult, especially when we grew up salting everything, even apples. I've tried and am still trying, but unsalted food just doesn't taste good.
i try to reduce salt intake to have healthy food :)
great hub man
I agree that we need to reduce our salt intake as most packaged food already contains salt.
I just want to share this. My close friend had undergo a kidney transplant last week. She is her father's donor. My point is people should reduced the intake of salt. But how? Through informing them the disadvantages of it. And of course, through this hub, people might found some way to reduced the intake of salt.
Nice Hub!!
Informative hub. Voted up. I reduced the intake of salt. Most people in our place have Urinary Tract Infection.
I am already conscious of salt intake and try to add as enough of it as possible. I removed the salt shaker since 2 years from our dining table.
Thanks for pointing out this most important point to our readers.
I'm sure people will find it easier to reduce their salt intake with a little thought, only small changes can make a big difference! Interesting Hub, make me think.
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