How To Season Foods To Leave The Salt
There are different alternatives that replace sodium when preparing food, either because you want to eat healthier or because your doctor has prohibited you from consuming salt. You may have high blood pressure or fluid retention. Therefore, we bring you different ways to season foods to leave the salt in the next article. Take note!
Sodium content in food
The sodium is responsible for controlling water levels in the body, so that, if we consume long ago it removed less liquid renal level with liquid that can accumulate in various areas such as ankles. An adult needs 400 mg of salt in total to be balanced.
Therefore, excess sodium in our diet (not only the salt you add to food, but also the salt that is included in it) increases blood pressure, by increasing blood volume.
People who have hypertension problems should leave out salt in their food or reduce their consumption. Baked goods (cookies, breads), products with many preservatives (canned, cold cuts, sausages) or pre-made (concentrated broths, instant soups and sauces) are those that contribute the most amount of salt to the body. The good news is that you can get versions without salt or with reduced sodium, if we want to consume them.
How to reduce salt intake
If you are already used to eating a lot of salt and you add it inadvertently when preparing food or when eating, it may be a little more difficult to leave it overnight. In addition, it will be difficult for you to feel the true flavor of the dishes.
But you need to remember that reducing your salt intake can save you many problems and illnesses. The interesting thing is that the taste for salt is acquired with habits, and therefore, it can also be reduced and even eliminated or changed for other options. As you decrease the amount of salt, the preference for salty will decrease as well.
Pay attention to some tips to reduce sodium intake:
- Eat fresher foods with little sodium intake.
- Reduce the use of salt when preparing food.
- Better that each diner adds the amount of salt they want individually.
- Do not bring the salt shaker to the table to avoid temptation.
- Season with aromatic herbs and spices.
- Steam foods without adding salt.
- Read the labels of the prepared foods you buy well.
- He prefers sea salt or Himalayan salt (pink in color).
- When you boil pasta for example, do not add coarse salt.
- It is preferable to season at the beginning of cooking, so that with a little amount it is more salty.
Alternatives to stop consuming salt
1. Ground black pepper
Don’t buy the one that is processed and bagged. It is better that you buy the grains and then, with a grinder, season the food. Pay attention to the amounts, as it can be quite strong. The aroma and flavor will be delicious and the best of all is that you will not want to add salt.
2. Soy sauce
Do not confuse with onion salt, a completely different product. Onion powder can be bought in various markets or you can even make it yourself. Grate an onion and let it dry or cut it into small squares. Be very careful because it is a fairly concentrated product.
4. Lemon juice
It is not suitable for all kinds of foods and preparations since the acid taste of lemon does not like everyone and does not go well with any food. The juice will add an exotic flavor to your meals. It is used to season various dishes, especially fresh foods, for example salads. Also for fish or chicken.
5. Roasted garlic
Try to buy the ones that don’t have added salt. It is ideal to give your meals a different flavor. In addition, as it has oil in its composition, it is perfect for salads. Add lemon juice and olive oil and forget about the salt.
7. Mustard
Instead of adding salt to your food, try some mustard. If you want you can buy the seeds or buy the mustard already prepared, some with herbs or spices.
Condiments and aromatic herbs
The list is really very extensive. Some of the available seasoning options to replace salt are: saffron, cinnamon, cloves, curry, ginger, nutmeg, basil, anise, coriander, dill, tarragon, fennel, bay leaf, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme. You can make a multipurpose recipe by mixing oregano powder, coriander leaves, paprika powder, bay leaves, and onion powder. You can use it in any preparation.