Salt is a staple item on everyone’s kitchen tables; it’s a basic seasoning we sprinkle on almost every dish from scrambled eggs to soups. But is “salt” the same thing as “sodium”? This question looks and sounds simple, but it is surprisingly complex. Is it about the composition or the health impact they have on our bodies!?
Let’s unravel the mystery in this blog with SaltWise.
SaltWise brings you the healthiest low-sodium salt options – plant-based Salicornia salts that have been proven to provide maximum health benefits. And we want this goodness to reach every household in the world. Ergo, we preach as much as we can to let everyone know their goodness. It is not just about Salicornia but your health and thus, we also inform our readers about the goodness of other herbs or fruits, which help you to balance your regular salt intake.
So, without wasting any more seconds, let’s dive into the fascinating world of salt and sodium, exploring the differences and their impact on our diets.
What Is The Difference Between Salt and Sodium?
While the terms “salt” and “sodium” are often used interchangeably, they're not exactly the same as they sound. So, what’s the difference?
Salt is basically a compound made of sodium and chlorine - sodium chloride (NaCl). It's a naturally occurring mineral compound found in seawater and rock salt deposits. For centuries, salt has been a crucial ingredient in food preservation and flavor enhancement.
Also Read- 7 Surprising Risks of Excessive Sodium Reduction
On the other hand, sodium is an element, an essential mineral element found within salt. Our bodies rely on a small amount of sodium for proper nerve transmission, muscle function, and maintaining fluid balance. And it is very important to regulate one’s sodium intake.
In a nutshell, both are important for our body to function and yet they're not the same thing.
Impact of Sodium On Your Diet
Sodium is an essential nutrient, but just like anything else, moderation is key. According to the American Heart Association, healthy adults should aim for no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day, ideally keeping it closer to 1,500 mg for optimal health. This is equivalent to about ¾ of a teaspoon of table salt. The point is that we need to measure every sprinkling before looking at the salt jar.
Contrary to popular belief, most of the sodium we consume doesn't come from the saltshaker at the table. A whopping 70% or more sneaks in through processed and prepared foods. From soy ketchup to your regular mayonnaise sauce, every innocent-looking take may carry a horrendous amount of salt in it, which can further lead to irreversible problems such as high blood pressure, stomach problems, kidney issues, and even bone loss.
Too much sodium can cause your body to retain water, leading to bloating and puffiness. Some studies also suggest a possible link between high sodium intake and an increased risk of stomach cancer. This is ongoing research and therefore needs more concrete establishments.
However, sodium is not the devil. An appropriate amount of sodium keeps our bodies running smoothly.
- Maintaining Fluid Balance - Sodium works alongside other electrolytes to regulate the amount of water in and around our cells.
- Nerve Transmission - Sodium helps transmit nerve impulses throughout the body, ensuring proper muscle function and coordination.
- Muscle Function – It is involved in muscle contractions and relaxation, allowing for coordinated movement.
Topmost Hidden Food Sources of Sodium
Even though we usually season our food with salt, a substantial amount of sodium can be found in unlikely places. They are the main culprits, imposing the bad impact of sodium on your body. Check out the hidden culprits to avoid them when shopping or looking for healthy alternatives:
- Prepared Foods - Convenience has a price. A lot of processed foods are high in sodium to extend their shelf life and improve flavor, such as frozen pizzas and canned soups.
- Restaurant Food - Restaurant foods are notoriously popular for being high in sodium. The high sodium content of pre-made foods and the liberal use of salt while cooking can easily exceed the daily recommended intake.
- Common Condiments - Salad dressings, ketchup, and soy sauce are some of the most common examples of seemingly harmless condiments that otherwise contain very high sodium levels.
Look out for salt with low sodium such as Salicornia green salt or Salicornia white salt from the house of SaltWise. These plant-based salts have other nutritional elements as well such as magnesium, calcium, iron, Vitamin A & B3 and antioxidants to boost your body’s immune system.
Also Read- 10 Reasons to Switch to Salicornia: The Ultimate Low-Sodium Salt Substitute
Tips To Reduce Sodium In Your Diet
The good news is, that we can all take small steps to manage our sodium intake and create delicious, healthy meals. Here are some practical tips:
- Take Only Fresh Ingredients - Cooking at home is the best way to regulate your sodium intake. Opt for fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Read Labels Before Buying - Sodium content can lurk in unexpected places. Therefore, always read the product’s label on the back and search for sodium inclusion actively. Look for options labelled “low-sodium” or “reduced sodium” such as green Salicornia salt.
- Check Healthy Alternatives - Explore various herbs and spices. Many herbs help you to replace the salt content in your food. From garlic powder to smoked paprika or a fragrant curry blend, these flavor bombs can add depth to your meal without a single speck of sodium.
- Say No To Processed Stuff - While convenient, processed foods are the main hidden sodium bombs. Limit their consumption.
- Season Wisely - Start with a light hand when adding salt to your food or buy Salicornia salt to stay tension-free. Fun Fact: Salicornia salt is also known as the best salt for hypertension.
SaltWise To Your Rescue!
SaltWise understands that reducing sodium is difficult, especially when you are a grub chaser. And of course, it shouldn't mean sacrificing flavor. That's why we offer a variety of healthy and delicious, low-sodium salts like our very own Salicornia salt at an affordable price.
Explore our collection and make a healthy kickstart.
