What is salt?
In theory salt is a crystalline substance formed by combining two chemical elements: Natriu and Chlorine ( NaCl ). Practice shows that natural salt was not, is not and never will be the same as sodium chloride, a substance obtained by denaturing coarse salt. Why are we saying that? Because for thousands of years, salt has only been used in the form of large crystals, which crush edit and by hand, then used in dishes.
Do we choose jam salt or table salt?
In addition to its precious benefits, it is worth mentioning that salt is one of the most efficient and widespread preservatives. Until the invention of the refrigerator, salt helps preserve food, and the elders used it as a cure for various ailments. Nowadays, the tradition of hot salt baths is still maintained to combat the cold.
What do we choose from coarse salt (gem), or the fine one, white as milk foam? The second option is definitely chosen by many, but we must not be deceived by appearances. Unrefined coarse salt is that which is extracted directly from deposits and which, in addition to sodium chloride, contains 80 other micro and macro elements including magnesium, calcium and iodine, which give it unique properties and an unmistakable taste.
The coarse salt does not have a pleasant appearance, but the qualities make us overcome this aspect. Instead, fine and extrafine table salt, which is found on the shelves of all supermarkets, is presented in the form of a white, super-processed and chemically processed powder. This type of salt is obtained from a process of artificial recrystallization of the salt moaning and grinding to the desired granulation.
The process, however, salts the salt from all minerals and oligominerals. In addition to avoid salt hardening, many manufacturers use an anti-agglomerant called E535 (sodium ferrocyanide) and E536 (potassium ferrocyanide). These cyanides at high temperatures of 80 degrees Celsius (e.g. when cooking stews or soups), decompose and convert together with the potassium released into… Cyanide!
Advantages and disadvantages of salt consumption
Due to excessive salt consumption, our country ranks first in Europe in the number of cases of cardiovascular disease, with more than 3 million patients in cardiology clinics according to statistics. Harmful effects translate into hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, making it difficult to cure diseases, water retention in the body, which favors the deposition of kilos and preventing the absorption of calcium, which affects the bone system, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Consumed in moderate amounts, salt helps regulate blood pressure, contributes to the efficiency of nerve transmission and muscle contraction. For those suffering from bloating, constipation or lack of appetite, they can add small amounts of salt to the glass of water.
Hot baths with salt water, give results in the case of joint diseases, rheumatism and relieve cold season-specific conditions (guturai, flu or cold). Symptoms of cystitis and anexitis can also be improved with the help of salt water sitting baths ( 5 tablespoons of coarse salt per liter of water).
And saline air is beneficial for health, in this respect are recommended coastal and ocna belts, indicated in conditions such as bronchial asthma, bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, repeated respiratory infections, hypothyroidism. You can visit the sparesorts of our country such as: Baile Felix, Ocna Şugatag, Geoagiu Bai, Sovata, Slănic Prahova, Slănic Moldova, Ocna Sibiu, Praid, Techirghiol, recognized for its beneficial effects on the body, either through the treatments performed, or a simple holiday admiring the beautiful landscape and inspiring the beneficial air.
Great attention, saline air belts are contraindicated in diseases like hyperthyroidism, pulmonary tuberculosis, epilepsy, severe hypertension, recent infarction, angina with frequent seizures, lung cancer, claustrophobia.
When there is a salt deficiency in the body, symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, memory disorders, intense and prolonged fatigue, accompanied by physical weakness and difficulty concentrating may occur. However, most of us consume more salt than the body needs.
Flavors and spices instead of salt
One teaspoon of salt per day ( 2 grams), this is the optimal amount for the body, according to dietitians. Salt is found naturally in various products that are part of our daily diet. However, salt is intentionally used to improve taste and extend shelf life.
For people over 50 years of age or for those already suffering from hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus or osteoporosis, salt intake should be limited to only 1.5 grams/day, according to nutrition specialists.
Salt hides in many foods that we eat every day, without even realizing it. Foods with the highest salt content include cold cuts, pickles, preserves, olives, smoked meat, marinated fish, cereals, bread, ketchup, soy sauce, mayonnaise, various mixes of veg spices, chips, hazelnuts, popcorn, envelope soups, various cheeses and the list goes on.
It is very important to read the label before you buy! To limit the excess salt often consumed nowadays, we should readand and try to season the dishes with different aromatic herbs,depending on their preferences. The use of fresh dill, parsley,thyme or basil in various dishes can have spectacular results in terms of the taste and aroma of the food.
All these plants are wonderful not only for their good taste, fresh and intense flavor, but are an excellent source of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Salads, sauces and dishes with or without meat can become true delicacies, if we use instead of salt grated orange peel ,lemon or lime, which gives a special flavor.
It is good to avoid eating packaged meat and processed food and choosing a piece of fresh meat, where we have control over the amount of salt. It is good to consume as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible, such as: bananas, melon, kiwi, plums, beetroot,tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, cauliflower, raw nuts,fish and seafood. These are rich in potassium, a mineral that helps to remove sodium from the body, thus ensuring effective detoxification and normal activity of the adrenal glands.
Nothing seems more respectable to me than the thrift that always accompanies virtue.