SIMPLIFYING SALTS FOR A HEALTHY DIET
Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, table salt — the market is filled with different types of salts. Find out which is the one for you.
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For from suffering (high hypertension it is pressure), blood to go for advisable pink salt. Himalayan
Nutritionist TYAGI, PREETY
Be it Indian, Italian, or continental — every cuisine is incomplete until you sprinkle some salt. However, salt is not just important for your taste buds, but also for your health. “It maintains blood sugar, blood pressure, and fluid balance in the body, helps in skin renewal, relieves muscle cramps, promotes sleep, and improves digestion,” says nutritionist Tripti Tandon. Confused about which salt is best suited for you? Nutritionists help decode the right salt for you.
TYPES OF SALTS
Salt is a naturally occurring mineral combination of two elements, sodium, and chlorine. However, iodine is added to it during its procurement to make it healthier. Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland.
“People should consume iodised refined salt, especially if they are suffering from thyroid health issues. Any reliable brand of iodised salt should be used for cooking to avoid iodine deficiency. For those suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure), it is advisable to go for Himalayan
pink salt. Although, the pink salt should be taken as a grain of table salt or to be added after the cooking is done,” explains nutritionist Preety Tyagi. The Himalayan salt is considerably lower in sodium content and hence is good for those suffering from hypertension. It is advisable to consume other foods items rich in iodine while consuming this salt, such as seaweed.
Another type of salt available in the market is sea salt. It is produced by evaporating seawater and is ideal for consumption. It contains traces of minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc.
Seasoned salts, should best be avoided as they are often adulterated with different chemicals or taste enhancers.
HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH
On average, consuming 5grams of salt daily is recommended. “Consuming more than a spoon of salt has shown clear evidence of negative health effects. Too much salt can cause hypernatremia or a high concentration of sodium in the blood. This can result in seizures, blood pressure, heart problems, swelling/edema, nausea, vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, intense thirst, confusion, kidney damage,” says dietician Lakshitta Jain.