Don't Salt the Small StuffFebruary 11, 2015

Why must we put salt into food? You don't need to think too hard on this. When popcorn was once cooked the old fashioned way, we would heat the cooking utensil and then poured some (cooking) oil. We put the kennels into it, where it popped once the oil reached boiling point. Then you put some salt. If you find this hard to believe, then observe Mum on how she would prepare the dishes. Salt is a flavor enhancer, not different from sugar. Our body needs both salt and sugar, but too much can pose some grave problems. Hypertension. Stomach cancer. Kidney problem.

Salt Awareness Week, which takes place during the first week of March, wants the public to be aware of the importance - and danger - of salt. It can be challenging, as salt can't be labeled in the same category as tobacco. In fact, anyone who is knowledgeable in microbiology can tell that salt has hygroscopic property. This can be lethal to bacteria. This is the reason why salting can be considered as a good method of food preservation. But some will point out that technology has better, if not healthier, options.

The campaign doesn't encourage you to eliminate salt from your diet, although this is the ideal way. But we can't resist the craving of food. If they're tasty, then avoiding salty food is out of the question. Here are three ways to minimise (or eliminate) the salt from your body:

Drink lots of water. Your kidney can't take too much salt, so don't forget to drink a glass of water. According to studies, six glasses is ideal. But a few more won't do any harm.

Do something. Excess amount of salt in the body can put pressure on your heart. Make sure you don't slouch after a yummy meal. You can wash the dishes and clean up the (dining) table. You can go out for a walk. Better yet, don't consume processed food. Not that the label is misleading consumers, but better be sure. After all, we've been taught that fresh food is the best option.

Cut out what you're eating. If you're one of those individuals whose waistline needs slimming, then you're not the only one. But don't be relieved with the fact that many don't have that toned torso. Exercising is one way of keeping a fit body, but diet plays a part. As a matter of fact, we need to watch out on what we're eating once we're getting older. Metabolism slow down with aging. The heart becomes more vulnerable, so watch out for that salt.

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