Salt

By Alyssa Morlacci

Updated on 14. Sep. 2020

Common salt: Everything you need to know about the mineral present in almost every dish!

Salt...

...has an antibacterial effect.
There's a reason why salting food is one of the oldest forms of preservation: Salt inhibits the growth of bacteria and can therefore protect against spoilage while preventing food poisoning.
...improves flavors.
Salt does not simply make food taste salty — in the right dosage it can also ensure that flavors develop optimally. Salt can also help save calories by increasing the perception of sweetness so you need less sugar.
...contains important minerals.
If you feel weak, drink a cup of salty broth. Important minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, fluoride and iodine are all present.
...can raise blood pressure.
Not everyone is sensitive to salt, but those who are can store more salt in their bodies, causing more fluid to enter the circulation and blood pressure to rise.
...can increase hunger.
Salt doesn't just make you thirsty. Scientists have found that large amounts of salt cause feelings of hunger, too. Therefore, use salt sparingly if you want to lose weight.
...can lead to heart failure.
Salt in too large of quantities often leads to heart failure.

What You Should Know About Salt

We know common salt is an omnipresent ingredient in cooking. The white crystals of sodium and chlorine are not technically considered spices, but rather an important mineral.

Our Favorite Recipes With Salt

Bagel with Eggs with Smoked Salmon

(0)

10 mins

465 calories

Fava Bean, Radish and Vegan Cheese Salad

(1)

25 mins

Chickpea and Tuna Salad

(0)

40 mins

760 mins

662 calories

Here you can find all salt recipes.

How Healthy Is Common Salt?

Salt is a component of many enzymes and cell structures. When we use iodised table salt — the usual amount is 5 grams a day from the salt shaker — we absorb 100 micrograms of iodine and can cover half of our daily requirement. If you also want to prevent tooth decay, you can buy fluorine-containing table salt. It helps harden the enamel, especially in children.

While some need not pay attention to the amount of table salt he or she uses, others will have to limit their intake to a small pinch. Anyone with high blood pressure should eat a low-salt diet.

However, elderly people should not limit their salt intake. Even a moderate reduction in salt consumption can cause reactions that doctors can confuse with typical "signs of aging." Muscle weakness, trouble walking, tendency to fall down and loss of appetite are among them. Salt deficiency can cause the blood volume to decrease, blood pressure to drop and the brain circulation to be disturbed. Pregnant women also have an increased need for salt.