Why you shouldn’t totally quit salt

Why you shouldn’t totally quit salt

Salt, also known as sodium chloride, has several important health benefits when consumed in moderation:

1. Essential for fluid balance: Salt helps to regulate the balance of fluids in the body, which is important for maintaining blood pressure and proper muscle and nerve function.
2. Helps to preserve food: Salt is used as a preservative in many types of food, helping to prevent spoilage and bacteria growth.
3. Aids in digestion: Salt helps to stimulate the production of stomach acid, which is necessary for proper digestion.
4. Improves taste: Salt is an essential ingredient in many recipes, as it helps to enhance the flavor of food.
5. Needed for electrolyte balance: Salt helps to balance the levels of electrolytes in the body, which are minerals that are important for proper muscle and nerve function.

It’s important to note that excessive intake of salt is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg per day for adults and an even lower limit of 1,500 mg per day for those at risk of hypertension.