A Health Hazard
2011 – Depart of Nutrition (SJSU)
Sodium is required in the body to maintain normal fluid and electrolyte balance, to assist in nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. Though sodium is found naturally in almost all foods in varying amounts, in the food industry, salt is added as a preservative against harmful microorganisms and to enhance flavor and color. Due to these preservatives, there has been an excess in sodium/salt intake. An excess in sodium consumption leads to high blood pressure. To control high blood pressure it is important to recognize foods that high in sodium and to make healthier choices thereafter.
Image by Kent
Tips to reduce sodium in your diet:
- Avoid adding table salt on top of prepared food.
- Always wash canned foods to remove excess salt.
- Limit the intake of high salt foods such as processed foods: pickles, chutneys, ready to eat, convenience, fried, and preserved foods.
- Avoid consuming salted beans, nuts, and etc.
- Decrease the amount of condiments use like mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup.
- Use the following condiments that are low in salt: cinnamon, fennel, all spice powder, cloves
- Add lemon juice to add flavor and to limit salt intake.
Category: Nutrition