Salt ... what it is and what it

Salt ... what it is and what it 

The salt (or sodium chloride) of the oldest spices used by man and the most readily available and most commonly, they knew rights decades ago and used it as a means of food preservation and storage, and insert it into his food even became the flavor of the food hardly be palatable without him. At the same time, the excessive intake of this white powder may cause hazards have no
calcaneus. 

  

Benefits of salt 

  Many believe that salt is harmful not affect rights of any benefit, like many of the substances added to the food factory, but in fact is an element of sodium, which is made from salt of the basic elements in the body, it is important in the regulation of blood pressure, size and balance osmotic. As you need muscles and nerves vital to carry out its duties. The case POISONINGS water or acute sodium deficiency, although they are rare, emergency situation may pose a threat to the life of the patient. 

  

Where is the problem? 

  Eating excessive amounts of salt cause health problems equivalent to those caused by deficiency, direct Apart from its association with disease, high blood pressure, several studies have shown its association with heart disease and other arteries, including blood clots and strokes. 

  

What's the right amount of salt? 

  Recommends health organizations, the American using no more than 2,300 mg of sodium, which is equivalent to a teaspoon of salt per day, while the lower amount to 1,500 mg of sodium, or the equivalent of half a teaspoon (approx.) in people most at risk of heart disease and arterial , such as: 

- Patients with high blood pressure. 

- The elderly (over 51 years). 

- Diabetic patients. 

- Patients with renal failure and others. 

However, the fact that the average person gets from sodium per day is more than twice the recommended amount, has been attributed in many cases we are dealing with significant amounts of sodium without feel. 

  

Other sources of sodium 

  It may seem commitment to a diet low sodium easy in practice; Everything must be done is to avoid salt and Food saline (such as pickles, nuts and potato chips), but is processed foods and canned a rich source of sodium, examples are: - Grain / Flakes Breakfast: Some types amounts of up to 250 mg of sodium per cup. - Canned vegetables: contain preservatives, sauces and spices that are added to these vegetables when canning high amounts of sodium (up to 730 mg / cup). - Coated or processed meats (such as salami): Given the label attached to some of these meat you'll find it loaded with sodium but did not give any salty taste, is also characterized by a low-fat types feature a larger amounts of sodium.

  

How to avoid eating excessive amounts of sodium? 

- Be sure to eat fresh foods and avoid canned or coated as much as possible. 

- When using canned vegetables washed with water well. 

- Avoid fast food, and if I had to be addressed: 

Do not use ketchup, mayonnaise or other sauces (containing a small spoon of ketchup on 167 mg of sodium), remove the cheese and ask for the small size, as recommended to take sodium-free food for the rest of the day. 

- Avoid sauces that are used to add flavors to foods such as spaghetti sauce and soy sauce (Soy): Even small quantities of which may contain more than 50% of the allowable limit of sodium (per spoon may contain 1024 mg sodium). 

- Read the components of foods or beverages purchased by CAREFULLY: Find the amount of sodium "Na" in the product. 

- Pay attention to the "serving size" or the "serving size": You may remember some of the products they contain small amounts may seem of sodium but measured in the size of a small share, less than the size that you will eat. 

- Pay attention to the treatments, which also dealt with: Some treatments may contain large quantities of sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, ask your doctor or pharmacist about it and other alternatives if possible....