12 Ways To Season Your Food To Avoid Salt Consumption
Common salt or table salt, popularly known as salt, is a type of salt called sodium chloride or sodium chloride.
There are 3 types of common salt, according to its origin: sea salt and spring salt, which are obtained by evaporation; rock salt, which comes from the mining extraction of a mineral rock called halite, and vegetable salt, which is obtained by concentration, by boiling a grass plant.
Now, we know that it gives a very particular flavor to our meals and that it seems that we cannot stop adding it to every dish, from a fried egg in the morning, to a grilled chicken, to some baked oatmeal cookies. It seems like an extremely essential ingredient.
However, there are some natural alternatives that will give a delicious touch, without having to use salt every day, since it is an ingredient that, like the others, requires responsibility when consuming it.
Excess salt is not so healthy
The use of salt as the main seasoning and flavor enhancer has a long tradition in our culinary history. Besides being a good seasoning, salt has long been used as a way to preserve food.
It has been part of our daily lives and, in a way, we could say that “culturally” it is almost impossible for us to eat without it. Now, is it as harmful to our health as they say? It is worth knowing that salt is 40% sodium, and that this is a mineral necessary for our body.
The problem is in the moment when we consume it in excess. It is recommended that we never exceed the recommended 5 grams per day, this, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) in its report shown in 2014.
The same WHO (World Health Organization) shows that, on average, we consume up to 10 grams a day, which is a lot. This would be practically double what is recommended.
For these reasons, it is good to know that we normally consume salt from different sources, even those that we do not think can contain it: french fries, pizza, food prepared at home, even some sweet where it is sometimes added to further enhance the flavor.
At the end of the day we exceed by much of those 5 grams, and over the years problems appear, among them:
- First of all, from hypertension.
- On the other hand, fluid retention.
- Inflammations also appear.
- Renal problems.
- Next, lowering of the calcium level.
- A more acidic and less alkaline organism.
- Heart problems.
- Finally, being overweight.
Alternatives to salt
You sure use a lot of these spices on a daily basis. We are not going to recommend that you eliminate salt completely, but we do recommend that you use it with great responsibility. Think about your health and yours. It is investing in quality of life and that is something that is always worth it.
1. Garlic
How can we use it?
- Chopped.
- On the other hand, powder.
- Also macerated in olive oil.
- Finally, cut into finite slices.
What foods can it combine well with?
- Garlic absolutely goes with almost all of our daily meals. In fact, it is ideal to season soups, to make sauces, rice, creams, to include it in our salads and, of course, to season any type of meat.
2. Cinnamon
How can we use it?
- Ground
- Raw
Dishes you can combine well
Above all, in our desserts, but also in sweet and sour dishes or in stews. It would be a type of dish with a different flavor but worth trying.
In addition, cinnamon infusions are very healthy.
3. Laurel
How can we use it?
- In fresh or dried leaves
Dishes you can combine well
- First of all, it is good to combine with meats, to cook rice, broths and stews.
- Also, remember to remove the bay leaves before serving your dishes.
4. Onion
How can we use it?
- Dry
- Powdered
- Chopped
- Liquefied
It would go well in …
- meats
- Stews
- Creams
- Salads
- Fish
5. Coriander
How can we use it?
- Always in fresh shape
It would go well in …
- Salads
- Soups
- Fish
- Chicken
- Other vegetables
6. Sweet cloves
How can we use it?
- Dry, always dry.
Dishes you can combine well
- Cloves are good for flavoring both sweet and savory dishes.
- In addition, it is suitable for meat and fish.
- Also to make desserts.
- Lastly, for the sauces.
7. Cumin
How can we use it?
- Dry, powder.
It would go well in …
- Creams
- Rice
- Fish
- Vegetables
8. Pepper
How can we use it?
- Fresh
- Dry
How can it go well in some dishes?
- Ideal for meat, fish, to make sauces.
9. Parsley
How can we use it?
- Cool
Dishes you can combine well
- In sauces, or also in dressings.
- Also in fish.
10. Thyme
How can we use it?
- On the one hand, cool.
- On the other hand, dry.
What can it combine well with?
- Ideal for seasoning meats
- Also in fish
11. Mint
How can we use it?
- Fresh
- Dry
What can it combine well with?
- First of all, dare to include mint in some soups, in sauces and in stews.
- In addition, mint is fantastic for making desserts, especially when combined with chocolate. Delicious!
12. Rosemary
How can we use it?
- On the one hand, cool.
- On the other hand, dry.
What can it combine well with?
- It is fantastic for making rice, meat, sauces … However, remember to include it at the last moment of cooking so that it leaves all its flavor and does not lose its essential oils. Just a few minutes!
In conclusion
As you can see, these medicinal herbs and spices combine with many dishes and, although it is almost always a matter of taste and daring, it is worth substituting the salt.
Do we start today?
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