Less Salt for a Longer Life

Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is composed of around 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Although salt may differ in flavor, texture, and color, it is an essential ingredient to season food and also serves as a food preservative to inhibit bacterial growth when used in high concentrations.

Sodium is an important element for nerves to convey electrical signals and make muscles contract and relax. It also plays an important role in keeping the body’s fluids in balance. However, if we consume too much salt, the excess amount of sodium can be detrimental. Diets that contain high amounts of sodium can increasethe chances of cardiovascular disease and stroke. In addition to cardiovascular risk, a high-salt diet is correlated with osteoporosis, which is a health condition that makes the bones fragile and weakens them. In addition, a high intake of salt is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.

How much salt intake is considered healthy? It is common to see people eating more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium daily, which is the equivalent of more than 1.5 teaspoons of salt. However, the amount that our body actually needs is less than 500 milligrams of sodium per day in order to function properly. Statistics show that 70 to 80% of the salt we eat comes from processed foods or meals in restaurants. That’s why eating fresh and minimally processed vegan foods is always a wonderful option to limit the amount of salt in our diet.

Instead of using salt as the only flavoring, you may also try fresh or dried herbs and spices to enhance the aroma. Alternatively, you can try squeezing lemon on your food to jazz up the taste. After using salt-free seasonings for a few weeks, you will find your palate becoming more used to a low sodium diet. Start by using less than one-fourth of a teaspoon of salt daily in your cooking. Slowly reduce it, and then you may eventually find that you’re still able to enjoy meals without the saltshaker on your dining table.

If you’d like to take your first step to cut back your sodium intake, join us in adopting a balanced, whole-food plant-based diet to achieve better health and extend your compassion for the souls of many beautiful animal-people. It is a perfect win-win option to boost your vitality and live harmoniously with all the co-inhabitants on Earth.