Salt: Essential component in human
diet
December 6, 2004
In recent years, there have been numerous debates
on whether instant food products are healthy choices
for the dining table. The bone of contention centers
on salt intake – or the amount of salt minerals
found in processed food like ready-to-cook viands, pre-marinated
seafood, instant noodles and the like. But when can
one say that consuming salt is bad?
Research shows that salt is an essential component
of the human diet. When sodium levels drop, several
interacting mechanisms are triggered to protect the
body’s nerves and muscles and to assure that the
body remains healthy.
Salt is also the world’s oldest known food additive
present in almost every household. It brings out natural
flavors and makes foods acceptable, retards the growth
of spoilage microorganisms, serves as a control agent
to regulate the rate of fermentation in food processing,
and is a component used to make processed meats and
sausages come up with the right color, aroma and appearance.
As a result, heavily processed foods usually contain
more sodium and salt.
Doctors often recommend oral rehydration to replace
water and salt lost in exercise and when working outside.
This is one reason why campers, hikers and adventure
travelers make sure they have a supply of instant noodles,
canned food and high sodium beverages when going on
long trips, as well as salt tablets to combat hypothermia.
Increased salt intakes have been used successfully
to combat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Dramatic deficiencies
or "excessive" sodium intakes well beyond
the body’s maximum tolerance levels have been
associated with other conditions and diseases, such
as hypertension and stomach cancer.
The National Academy of Sciences recommends that Americans
consume a minimum of 500 mg/day of sodium to maintain
good health. Individual needs, however, vary enormously
based on their genetic make-up and the way they live
their lives. Filipinos who mostly live a similar lifestyle
are known to prefer "salty" food or dishes
with enhanced flavors.
While individual requirements range widely, experimental
studies show that most humans tolerate a wide range
of sodium intakes, from about 250 mg/day to over 30,000
mg/day.
The actual range is much narrower. Americans consume
about 3,500 mg/day of sodium; men more, women less.
The very large percentage of the population consumes
1,150-5,750 mg/day that is termed the "hygienic
safety range" of sodium intake by renowned Swedish
hypertension expert Dr. Björn Folkow.
When it comes down to choosing a healthy eating lifestyle,
the bottom line is always to do things in moderation.
Too much of something, even if it feels or tastes good,
can be a negative thing.
Remember to always refer to the nutrition information
panel of food products when making a purchase to find
out exactly how much of the macronutrients, carbohydrates,
proteins, sodium, fats and energy one will get from
a serving.
Source:www.mb.com.ph
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