Don't Fear Salt!

I interact with a lot of people at farmers markets, shows and tastings.  I hear a ton of feedback on flavors, products, uses, as well as a few misconceptions.  I'd LOVE to clear the air on one of them: "I have high blood pressure and can't have salt" or "Sodium is bad for you" or "We are supposed to be limiting our salt intake".  If you have said or thought these phrases, it's ok, you're not alone. Let me preface also, that I am not a medical doctor, a Ph.D yes, but MD, no.  So, always listen to your MD before me, but a few things to consider:

  1. Sea salt is often obtained through evaporation of seawater, with little to no processing, therefore it retains trace levels of minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium and other nutrients. Table salt, on the other hand, is mined from salt deposits and processed, bleached and given additives to prevent clumping or caking.

  2. Processed foods, canned goods, fast food and frozen meals contain a ton of sodium from table salt, which is causing most salt related health problems.  

  3. Low salt diets create major health problems, like hypoatremia, especially among the elderly and athletes.  Every single person NEEDS salt, you will die without it.  It's just a matter of making better choices of where your salt intake comes from.

  4. Use a finishing salt right before you eat and skip salting throughout the cooking stages.

There are tons of articles out there reiterating much of this.  I like this one (geared towards athletes) and this one.

Stay Salty Y'all!

 

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