We’ve all heard that we are eating too much salt… So many processed foods contain large amounts of salt that it is no surprise that you might be concerns about your salt intake!
You might have heard that eating too much salt causes cancer or increases your risk of a heart attack, but is but is salt actually as bad as it seems?
NO. Let us explain why.
What TYPES of salt are you eating?
There’s more than one type of salt? Yes! And not all are made equally.
On the whole, salt itself if not the problem, what you should be more concerned with, is the type of salt that you are having and the types of salt that are used in most packaged foods.
Instead, turn your attention to coloured salt! Coloured salt is a fantastic alternative to ‘regular’ salt because it is in its natural state. Basically, you don’t want white salt.
Did you know that in order to create white salt, many manufacturers actually bleach it, and that kind of removes a lot of its goodness. The thought that too much of this coloured salt is bad for you is actually done from very, very weak research.
You lose salt throughout the day
When we sweat, you lose salt from your body. The essential minerals in salt act as important electrolytes in the body, they help with fluid balance, nerve transmission, muscle function and plenty more! When we lose it, it is important to replenish it with good salt!
How much salt is too much?
Over the past few decades, the reason salt has been given a bad reputation is because it has been linked to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and even stomach cancer. One of the key minerals in salt is Sodium. If this is found in too much of a concentration, it can lead to some of the negative side effects that you hear about. However for most of us one teaspoon (6 grams) of coloured salt per day is an ideal amount.
Some people may find that they do have a salt sensitivity, and do feel either unwell or lethargic if they consume too much salt. If that is that case or you suspect you may have a salt sensitivity though, you should speak to a medical professional.
In short, salt is in no way something you should (or can) avoid entirely. It affects people differently and may not lead to adverse health effects for everyone! Steer clear of the classic ‘white salt’ and head towards the coloured salt!
