Salt, nothing but harmful to your health: if you consume it like this it has a more than positive effect on your body

Salt, an ancient and fundamental ingredient in nutrition

The salt it is one of the oldest and most universal ingredients used by man. Its history dates back to thousands of years agowhen it was used not only to flavor foods but also as a main dish preservation method. It played a crucial role in ancient economies, influencing the tradethe wars and even the foundation of city and trade routes.

Salt is essential for human life, as the sodium, one of its main components, is necessary for a number of fundamental biological functions. However as with many other substances, its consumption must be balanced. While a small amount of salt is vital for health, a excessive consumption can lead to serious health problems.

The modern Western diet has seen a notable increased salt consumptionmainly due to the industrial packaged products. These foods are often enriched with salt not only to improve its flavor, but also to increase its shelf life. This has led to a growing problem, namely salt intake well above recommended amounts.

What are the foods to avoid with too much salt

If you have the habit of eating natural foods and to season the dishes with a pinch of saltyou can easily comply with the recommended daily amountwhich according to the World Health Organization, or WHO, is approximately 5 grams per day. The problem arises when industrial packaged products are consumed daily, which often contain high quantities of salt.

In fact, among the products particularly rich in salt, to which attention must be paid, there are salty snacks, chips, crackers, taralli, cold cuts such as bresaola, preserved fish such as canned tuna or smoked salmon, stock cube for both vegetable and non-vegetable stock, all types of ready-made soups and sauces. Excessive salt consumption can lead to numerous Health problems. L’hypertension is one of the most common consequences, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease And stroke. An excess of sodium can also damage the kidneyscontributing to the formation of kidney stones and to calcium losswhich can lead to osteoporosis.

The need to dispel the myth

Despite these recommendations, salt is fundamental for our body. Sodium is a essential electrolyte which helps maintain the balance of body fluids, facilitates transmission of nerve impulses and contributes to muscle function. A sodium deficiency can lead to hyponatremiaa condition characterized by symptoms such as nausea, headache, confusion, and, in severe cases, seizures and coma.

The myth that salt is always bad for your health is misleading. The problem lies not in the salt itself, but in its excessive consumption. Therefore, seasoning dishes with a pinch of natural salt and moderating the consumption of industrial foods allows you to benefit from the essential properties of salt without incurring the risks associated with its excess.